Chapter 3
Teresa Lisbon surely hadn't expected to find him on her doorstep. She stared at him speechless for a full minute – which had Jane smiling wryly.
"If I'm not welcome, you could just say it".
She smacked his arm, as was her wont. "Of course you're welcome, you idiot. Come in".
After bringing him a cup of tea, she finally ventured to ask: "How comes you're back in Sacramento?"
"Let's say Gandalf had his own plans about me".
Lisbon snorted. "Stop speaking in riddles, Jane".
"All right. Minelli almost kidnapped me. That's why I'm here".
She just looked at him, unsure if he was being serious or not.
"I'm afraid I don't see your point".
Jane tried to keep his tone light. "You have something that belongs to me, don't you?"
She frowned slightly, then nodded. Of course. His wedding ring.
"Hold on a second".
A few moments later she was back – a small wooden box in her hand. She opened it and handed him his ring. "Here you are".
"Thank you".
There was a heavy silence as Jane tucked the ring in his vest pocket. Lisbon just wondered why he hadn't taken it with him when he had left six months ago. It would have saved her another painful goodbye.
"Teresa?"
"Yeah?"
"I hope you would accept something in return".
He presented her with a beautiful emerald ring – and nearly chuckled at her bewildered expression.
"I… don't understand, Jane".
"Come on. I'm sure you do".
Suddenly she shifted her gaze. "Why?"
"You mean why I'm sure, or why I'm giving you this?"
She shook her head, impatiently. "I figure that's kind of obvious".
"Yes, it is. Teresa, please, look at me".
She did as asked, and he went on. "When Red John was dealt with at last, I discovered a most unexpected thing. I still had my life. And I was still capable of loving a woman. Namely you".
A sigh. "I almost told you there and then. It's just… I don't trust myself, Teresa. And I've never wanted you to suffer. That's why I left".
"What about your wedding ring?"
"Well, I kind of intended it as a token of how much you mean to me".
Suddenly she felt her eyes brimming with tears. Without a word, she took the emerald ring and placed it on her finger.
Jane beamed at her. "Hope you're not going to regret this".
"I do trust you, Patrick. Even if you don't".
She took his hand, entwining her fingers with his.
"Jane?"
"Mm?"
"I think you should kiss me at this point".
He chuckled. "Maybe you're right".
Brushing his lips against hers, Jane vaguely wondered what would be the best way to thank Virgil for all this…