The airstream comes to a stop at the same time as Lisbon steps out of her building. The driver's window's down and Jane waves at her.
"Nice timing Lisbon, get in. Let's get this show on the road."
Lisbon scowls but makes her way to the passenger side and climbs in.
"Tell me again why I have to go in this thing."
"Orders from above Lisbon. He turns and gives her a beaming smile.
"I promise it won't be as bad as you think."
"I'm not holding my breath."
"That's my Lisbon, always looking on the bright side."
"A, I'm not your Lisbon and B, I'm not a grouch either. Not around other people anyway."
"How was your evening with Pike? I trust he's showing you all the high spots of Austin?"
"It was good, he's a nice guy. But I'm not going to discuss my love life with you."
"Why not? I thought we were friends."
"Of course we're friends but it would be weird, you know."
Jane gives her a sideways glance.
"Actually I don't know."
"So why exactly are we travelling one hundred miles in this thing?"
"Patience Lisbon and all will be revealed."
After half an hour of silence and a lot of sideways glances Jane speaks up.
"Where did he take you last night?"
"I'm not talking to you about it."
Jane looks at her and raises an eyebrow.
"It's intriguing that you won't"
Lisbon rolls her eyes.
"Okay we went to the movies. Marcus likes to watch old movies from the 50's and there's a cinema in his neighbourhood that specialises in them."
"Does that mean you don't like watching them?"
"They're all right, I'm just usually too tired for sitting and watching a movie.
Jane bursts out laughing.
"You mean you fell asleep?"
"No!"
"High voice."
"No."
"Come on Lisbon, you know you can't lie to me."
She scowls at him.
"All right, yes. It's happened twice now and I don't know what to do about it. I'm so embarrassed."
Jane's trying to keep a straight face.
"And what does Pike say about it?"
"He's so understanding.."
"Of course he is."
Lisbon's head whips round to look at him.
"What's that suppose to mean."
"Lisbon, to have your girl fall asleep on you twice isn't good. I wouldn't take it as a good sign."
"I was just tired."
"Me thinks she doth protest too much."
Lisbon scowls
"Oh be quiet."
Jane looks at her.
"Why you want to take a nap?"
"Jane, I said shut up!"
He holds his hands up in defense.
"Sorry...touchy touchy."
"Get your hands back on the wheel."
Lisbon does in fact take a nap and there's only half an hour to go when she wakes up. She stretches to shake out the kicks.
"You could've gone back there and laid down."
"But then I wouldn't be strapped in."
She looks at her watch and can't believe how long she's been asleep. She sits up in the chair.
"We must be nearly there. Are you going to tell my about what we're doing? Is it a crime scene? Are we here to talk to a witness?"
"Patience Lisbon, just a little bit longer."
Lisbon crosses her arms in front of her chest and hunkers down, she knows she's not going to get anything out of him.
"Have you heard from Grace and Rigsby lately?"
Lisbon smiles that Jane still isn't use to calling him Wayne.
"I skyped with them Monday night. The baby's really growing and changing and took her first steps a couple of days ago. They were so excited"
"You miss them."
It was a statement not a question.
"Yes, they kept me sane when everything was out of control. They followed me to Washington, it was great having them around. And I miss not seeing their little girl grow up."
"Do you regret coming to Texas?"
There's concern in his voice with a mix of blame there too. Lisbon catches it.
"I chose to come here Jane."
"Yes you did and I'm glad you did."
A signed gateway up ahead catches Lisbon's attention and makes her sit up.
"Why are we at Pedenales Falls state park? Is this where the body is?"
"It's a great place for a picnic don't you think."
"It's beauti...Jane don't tell me you've brought me all the way out here just for a picnic!?"
Jane shrugs his shoulders.
"Well not just for a picnic.
Author's notes: what else does Jane have in mind? Thanks to all who reviewed, followed and fav'd this story. As always they're a joy to receive. I hoped you liked this chapter.