Author's notes: Thank you so much for your lovely reviews and follows. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
They've been through all the security precautions and are being escorted to the interview room. Volker likes mind games and Lisbon is determined she's going to win. She just doesn't know the ace he's holding up his sleeve. So no glance at Cho, no release of a deep breath, before entering the room. She walks in relaxed and purposeful and looking Volker straight in the eye. He's sitting relaxed at the other side of the sturdy wooden table. Handcuffs and chains secure. Lisbon can't stop the feeling of pleasure that the sight gives her.
"Good evening Teresa how good to see you. Life is treating you well."
He leans forward, as if taking a closer look.
"You do look a little stressed around the eyes. Something's bothering you. No doubt caused by that unpredictable consultant of yours that you seem to like so much."
Lisbon slaps down on the table a photo Grace found ot the two suspects.
"These friends of your?"
Volker barely gives it a glance.
"Well, friends would be too strong a word. They are more acquaintances. "
"And are they doing your business?"
"I don't have any business. you have me locked up in here. Remember?
Lisbon would love to punch the condescending smile he has plastered on his face. No question he's behind Jane's abduction and the robberies.
"I would like to talk to them. Since they don't work for you , you won't mind telling me where I might find them."
"I wouldn't know. They could be anywhere."
"They're not anywhere, they're in California, so why don't you make a guess"
Volker gives an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry. I can't help you.
"Give it a try."
Volker just smiles back at her. Lisbon mentally counts to ten and then twenty. Volker's gaze is steady, never leaving her face. She feel's more exposed than with Jane. She imagines he can see deep into her and knows how much his game is costing her. She determines to leave with some dignity.
"Cho I think I've had enough of being in the same room as this coward."
Volker keeps the smile in place but Lisbon sees that his eyes have hardened.
"No need to throw insults Teresa."
"I don't know what else to call some one who goes after a vulnerable target and not the person he's angry with. Am I suppose to think you're clever, organizing this dance? Did you think that we were to too stupid to figure it out? Those chains prove that we have your number. We will win again."
Volker leans forward with his hands on the table. His smile widens but his eyes are thunder.
"My dear Teresa, you've already lost."
"We'll see about that."
"Just ask your consultant, should you manage to find all the pieces."
Lisbon's stomach does a somersault and her heart feels like it's pounding in her ears. She feels Cho's hand on her arm and by focusing on the feel of it she manages to turn around and leave the room walking steady and and strong, leaving the photo behind on the table. She hears Volker laughing as the door closes behind her. It seems like an eternity before they are through all the locked doors and out of the building. She pulls out her phone and is dismayed to find no reception.
"Cho check your phone."
Cho takes out his phone and shakes his head.
"No reception boss. I'm sure his fine. Volker's just trying to spook you."
"Maybe. Let's hope so. "
Cho can tell that his words haven't brought any comfort, which isn't surprising by how little he believed them himself. Volker doesn't make false claims.
As Cho speeds down the highway, Lisbon is clutching her phone staring at the bars, willing them to appear. She barely has time to register the appearance of a bar when she is bombarded with message alerts. Each one showing a missed call from Bertram. She knows it's not good. She's aware of Cho looking towards her as the message tone chirps out again and again.
"It's Bertram. It can't be good."
Lisbon's finding it difficult to push the required buttons to return the calls. Her hand is suddenly trembling and sweaty. She uses her other hand to try to keep it steady. The ringing on the other end is interrupted and she hears Bertram's voice. Lisbon makes every effort to make her's come out strong and calm.
"Lisbon sir. We're on our way home."
"Did you get anything from Volker."
"No sir. He denied any knowledge of their whereabouts but he's deep into it sir. I'm certain of it."
Lisbon closes her eyes and notices a slight tremble in her voice.
"Is that all you wanted sir?"
She is unaware of having her fingers crossed and squeezing them so tight that her skin glows white. She hears hesitation on the other end.
"Er... no Agent...There's been another incident."
Lisbon's hand moves to her neck and clutches her cross.
"They robbed 'Jenson' grocery store."
"The one in my neighbourhood? I was just in there this morning."
Lisbon's voice comes out almost a whisper.
"Was Jane there?"
"Yes"
The change in Bertram's tone is not lost on Lisbon.
"Is he alright?"
"There isn't an easy way to tell you this Agent. There was an explosion."
Lisbon doesn't hear anything else that Bertram says.
"Pull over Cho. Now!"
Cho breaks hard and Lisbon shoves the phone at him, Cho can hear Bertram's voice chirping out Lisbon's name. He puts it to his ear as Lisbon stumbles out of the car and throws up at the side of the road.