Author's Note:
Thank you for the reviews, followers and favourites.
Here's the next chapter… Enjoy!
...xxxxxxxx…
Lisbon paced the waiting room, alternating between praying and crying as she waited for news about Jane. He had been for X-rays and in surgery now. She thought back to Jane's earlier words.
"Teresa… I'm sorry…"
"Love you, Teresa."
Don't make too much of it, she admonished herself. He probably won't remember what he said.
Her musings were interrupted by her phone buzzing.
"Hi Cho, what have you got?"
"The FBI's joined the investigation."
"Yes, Bertram arranged it. But we're taking point on this."
"Got it, Boss." Cho said.
"Did the coroner examine the body? Does she have any leads on the murder weapon?"
"She confirmed that the stab wound was created by an arrow. It pierced the victim's spleen and she bled out. Once we get the arrow that's stuck in Jane, the coroner will do a comparison and confirm if it was is match. If it is, then the person who killed Sasha is the same person who attacked Jane."
"I have a feeling it will be a match." Lisbon replied. "We've got find the connection between Jane and Sasha. Dig as far back as you have to. The killer is linked to both of them. If we don't find a connection…"
"It will confirm that Jane is the intended target."
"Cho, expand the investigation to include all cases Jane has worked on since joining the CBI. Maybe someone got out and is out for revenge."
"Will do."
"What did the witnesses have to say?"
"They were on a guided tour through the park when they came across the body. They all claim not to know Sasha, but Rigsby's running their backgrounds to find any links."
"Did Van Pelt speak to anyone at the House of Safety yet?"
"She's there now."
"Okay let me know the minute she uncovers anything. Do you have anything on the tyre tracks?"
"Still working on that, Boss." Cho replied. "How is Jane doing?"
"He is in surgery. The arrow fractured a rib on the left side of his chest and cut through tissues and muscles to penetrate out of his back just below his scapula. By some miracle it missed all his vital organs."
"That's good. I'll let Grace and Wayne know."
"Cho, I need you to set up a roster to watch over Jane. Bertram's arranged for FBI agents to be at the hospital but I will feel more comfortable if one of us is here. I don't want to leave Jane with strangers and I have a feeling he isn't going to be the model patient."
"Okay, will do. You need anything?"
"No thanks Cho. I'm good."
"Okay." Cho said as he hung up.
Lisbon leaned back against the waiting room couch and replayed the events of the morning in her mind. Could she have prevented this somehow?
...xxxxxxxx…
Jane was drifting. Everything around him was silent and still. It was so peaceful and calm.
Where am I?
"Hello Patrick." It was a young woman's voice.
Jane opened his eyes and squinted against the bright light.
"Hello." He said. "Who are you?"
"Charlotte."
"Charlotte, that's a nice name. I had a daughter named Charlotte."
"I know."
"What do you mean?"
"Daddy, it's me."
"What? No. Charlotte's dead… Am I dead?"
"No, you're not, Daddy. You're under anaesthetic in an operating theatre and I am a subconscious thought that you have manifested into form."
"Oh, okay."
"What do you want Daddy?"
"I … I don't know."
"You called me here for a reason."
"I did?"
"Yes. Tell me what you want."
"I … Charlotte … I … I'm so sorry honey." Jane choked.
"It's okay Daddy. I'm okay."
"I should have kept you and your mom safe."
"It was time for us to move on. The how was just a means to an end. Don't let the how hold you hostage Daddy. You've got to move on. Please."
"I can't until I kill Red John, baby."
"No, Daddy. Forget about Red John. You've put your life on hold for years now. You need to grieve and let go of the anger. Please Daddy."
"No, I can't. I won't."
"Killing Red John won't bring us back."
"I know it won't. But I…"
"You are safe…"
"What?"
"You are loved…"
"Charlotte, wait."
"You are wise."
"Stay, please."
But she was gone.
And Jane felt lost.
...xxxxxxxx…