Disclaimer: Where did Patrick Jane go? Ask Bruno Heller. I don't know, since the show wasn't mine - ever.
Thank you to all the new readers. I appreciate your interest. Reviews are very much enjoyed too, your opinions and comments. It's all good. I'm trying to write as much as possible this week, as I will be away by week's end for a holiday. Wish me luck with getting done in time! And sorry, I planned to write more about Patrick, but those idiots out in Harrington County took over my page!
And Their World Came Tumbling Down
Chapter 12 White Sheets and Black Vests
Cho maneuvered his SUV through rush hour traffic in downtown Austin, using his siren and flashing lights to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. To Teresa it seemed to take forever, but in fact the trip took about half the time it should have.
Pulling up to the emergency doors, Cho told Lisbon to go in while he parked. He did not want to delay her for a moment in case she lost her final chance to see Patrick alive. She bolted through the sliding doors and ran through the ER looking for someone to direct her to her husband. Just as she was about to start shouting to get some answers, an elevator door opened and a team of doctors and nurses hustled through, pushing a gurney with a man secured to it on a backboard. Only at the last moment did Teresa notice blonde curls on the comatose patient as his gurney was quickly guided through the department. She ran to catch up, just as Cho came in.
"Cho, it's him! I think he just came in from the roof."
"OK, come with me. I'll try to get you in there."
Cho found a charge nurse, showed his FBI badge and pointed back in Teresa's direction. The nurse nodded her assent, and Cho ran back to Lisbon, taking her arm and guiding her through the double doors. A junior nurse tried to stop them on the other side, but a quick flash of his badge ensured that Cho and Teresa would not be stopped again. They found Patrick in a room filled with medical personnel, all busy examining him, ordering tests, taking blood, and giving Patrick the fluids through his IV that he needed to stay strong for the next few hours. A Resident doctor turned and saw Teresa. He came over and introduced himself. Teresa looked over his shoulder the whole time he spoke to her, such was her need to never lose sight of her husband again.
"Ma'am. Mrs. Jane?" the Resident doctor said again. Lisbon tore her eyes off Patrick and realized the doctor had been talking to her.
"How is he? Can I go to him? Is he going to be OK?" she asked.
"Mrs. Jane. We are assessing your husband right now. He is very sick and I don't want to make any predictions right now. It's just too soon to say how it will go tonight. We are going to stabilize him and then get him into surgery. Once he has come through that, we will do a further examination to see what other injuries he may have sustained. This is going to be a very long night. Your husband will be going into surgery in the next few minutes. He will be kept asleep afterwards until we feel it is safe to wake him up."
"Can I just go to him and hold his hand until you take him to the OR?" Lisbon begged.
The doctor stepped aside and let Teresa go to Patrick. The nurses kept working, but gave Teresa the room to stand beside her husband and hold his hand.
Lisbon scanned Patrick's face for any sign he knew she was there. His skin was red and raw from the sun, and his lips were parched from lack of water. His breathing was deep, aided by the oxygen being pumped into his lungs. She knew he was completely unaware of her or any of the other people who were working so hard to keep him alive. At a signal from the doctor, the bed was rolled out of the room, towards the elevators to the OR suites. Teresa stayed with Jane, holding his hand, until she could do so no more. The doors slid open and he was pushed inside. Then, he was gone.
Lisbon stood facing the elevator, not knowing what to do next. Cho came over and put his arm around her.
"Cho, can we go and wait for Patrick? Where do we go? Where did they take him?" She was sounding like a lost child, not the strong woman Cho knew so well.
"Teresa, he is going to be in surgery for a while. I think you need to rest. You look like you will fall down any second."
"No. No, I can't leave. I can't just leave him alone Cho. What if he wakes up and I am not with him? What will he think?"
Cho looked at her and nodded. She did make sense. Patrick didn't know Teresa had escaped and freed herself. His will to live would largely be determined by knowing if his new wife and baby still lived.
"Ok, you can stay, but on one condition Teresa, and I won't budge on it. You need to get checked out by a doctor while you are here. We have time and you need to know that you and the baby are in good shape. Do it for Patrick, so he doesn't worry about you when he wakes up."
Lisbon's shoulders sagged finally in exhaustion, and she grimly nodded in agreement. She was beyond tired, but adrenalin had kept her going for days. Now that she was safe, she felt like she had hit a wall. Kimball walked her to the emergency department and found a staff member to come and arrange for an examination of mother and baby. 10 minutes later, Teresa was whisked off to an exam room. Once she was gone, Cho sat in a chair in the corner for privacy, got on his phone, and got back to work.
Harrington County
Deputy Sheriff Lassiter had made his usual rounds up and down the main street of this dusty backwater town. He was very pleasant to everyone he met. Most people knew him his whole life and felt they were protected by their familiarity with him. The local kids kept away from him because he was the law, therefore not to be trusted. He was Ok with that. It made terrorizing them late at night at their favourite make out spots all the more fun. He had found his career in law enforcement to be to his liking. He was assured the respect his uniform demanded, and having his father as his boss didn't hurt his career aspirations either. He had not been the smartest kid in school, but he had managed to scrape by and now felt like he owned this tiny piece of Texas.
Life was good.
With nothing much going on downtown, he decided it was time for some fresh pie and hot coffee. His cruiser pulled into the parking lot of the diner before the supper crowd arrived. It would be quiet there right now, but with a bit of luck, maybe something fun would happen later, when the diner filled up with regulars and strangers passing through.
Lassiter sat down in a corner booth against the back wall, the better to see the whole room and anyone who wandered in. He could happily spend hours right there, and he often did. And he got paid for this!
Across town, Beau and Colt left the bar and wandered aimlessly towards their truck. This day was turning out to be a complete waste of time. They drove over to the store and bought some more beer to drink while they drove around, looking for a fresh victim. Beau was willing to stay on the road for a while longer, just as long as his women back at the farm had a good supper waiting for him when he walked back through that door. Beau had been resisting having sex with Teresa. He thought she was the prettiest of all the woman he had brought home over the years, but he didn't want to rape her and chance losing the baby as a consequence. But when he had seen her that morning with her towel around her waist, he decided he had to rethink that decision. And keeping Colt away from her was going to be next to impossible. Just playing with the idea of forcing Teresa to have sex with both of them made him grin from ear to ear. Damn that woman was hot! Maybe tonight would Teresa's special night after all. He spat out the window of the truck and headed for the old drive in theatre on the outskirts of town. He and Colt could drink their beer and smoke their cigarettes there until someone either came along or he got hungry. It wasn't a great end to his day, but it would have to do until something big happened.
Teresa
The doctor was gentle and quickly finished his examination of Teresa and her baby. He had been informed of the kidnapping and wanted to be as kind to his patient as he could be. Teresa was in good enough physical condition, and the baby was fine, but he was worried about her blood pressure and her exhaustion. Neither would improve until she knew Patrick was out of the woods. She thanked the doctor and promised to get her own doctor to keep an eye on her blood pressure, just so she could get back to Patrick.
She went back upstairs and found Cho. He and Teresa sat in the waiting room, keeping each other strong for the long night ahead. Although she had been determined to keep vigil, Teresa soon was asleep, her head resting on Cho's shoulder. He didn't mind. He adjusted his position and made sure she slept comfortably. She would need all of her strength when she finally woke up. Cho felt what he considered a special kind of love for Patrick and Teresa. Though he would never say it or even show it much, these were two of the most important people in his life. He made a silent vow to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the bastards who had so badly hurt his friends. Teresa could lean on him as much as she liked until the shoulder she shared again was that of her husband.
Lassiter
About 40 minutes after arriving, the Deputy Sheriff left his booth and sat on a swivel stool at the counter. This was his favourite perch and from there he could keep an eye on everyone in the diner. Soon afterwards, the door swung open and in came two men, clearly in the middle of an ongoing argument. The taller of the two was a blonde ivy league type, well used to getting just about everything he desired. His expensive clothes and educated speech screamed Ivy League. His friend however, was dressed down in an old pair of jeans and a baseball t-shirt. He appeared to be trying to talk his friend out of some bad idea. . As they made their way past Lassiter, he managed to hear Mr. Ivy League argue that he just wanted an Airstream, and his parents would have to let him have it. The only issue was getting an Airstream for the right price.
His friend Ray tried his best to talk him out of this dumb idea.
"Buddy, you don't need an Airstream! What are you going to do with one? Come on! The things are huge! Where the hell will you park it when you go back to school in the fall, huh?"
Buddy, deflated because Ray didn't support his crazy idea, just ignored his friends' wisdom and pouted.
"Look, an Airstream can be like a party bus! Just pull that baby up to the house and watch the girls fall all over themselves to get on board! I'm gonna do it. You just watch me. I'll keep looking until I find someone who has a used Airstream for sale, then I'll sucker him into selling it to me for a deal. Wait and see!" he grinned as they both perused the menu.
Lassiter had overheard the whole conversation and could hardly contain his excitement. He went over to the corner booth and pulled out his cell phone. A moment later Beau was answering, a wide smile growing on his face as he listened to his partner in crime. His "inside man" rarely gave him a poor tip, and it looked like maybe they had hooked their next big fish.
Maybe this day wouldn't be a total waste after all.
The truck tore across town in a cloud of dust and made the trip over to the diner in record time. Beau and Colt entered the diner and looked around for their informer and their next customer. The Deputy Sheriff waved them over and the three men put their heads together, whispering in hushed tones.
"See those two boys over there by the Coke machine?" asked the Deputy. "They bin' yackin' about fast cars and slow women ever since they sat themselves down. That blonde kid in particular has a hard on for an Airstream. Says his Daddy don't want to pay full price for a new one. I think he needs to meet up with you Beau."
Beau grinned a cocky smile over at Colt.
"Time to go fishin' Colt! We gonna catch us a full-sized whale!"
"Yee haw!" hooted Colt.
They moved across the diner and perched on two swivel stools directly in front of the two men, who were still in a heated debate.
"You are deluded man! Your daddy will not buy a damned Airstream Buddy! Get that through your thick skull!" huffed his more sensible friend. "Your crazy idea of a chick-magnet party bus is not ever going to happen."
Buddy would not relent.
"But what if I can find one for way less than Daddy expects? What could he say then?"
"I guess. It's your funeral Buddy. I tried to talk you out of it all the way here from San Antonio. But then, when did you ever listen to me?" his friend smiled.
Buddy slapped his friend on his shoulder. "Ray, you know I always get what I want eventually!"
Buddy and Ray were digging into their pie when they were approached by a grizzly, unkempt man.
"Sorry to interrupt you gents, but I couldn't help overhear your conversation. Are you serious about finding a decent used Airstream to buy?"
"Serious as a church" enthused Buddy.
Beau looked as concerned as he could manage.
"I don't mean to get between you two gents, but I have an Airstream trailer up at my farm that I bought last year for my dear wife. Unfortunately, she is ill and cannot travel anymore. Every time I look at that RV it is a pain in my heart. I haven't been able to sell it to anyone from around these here parts. But I would be willin' to sell it to you. Name your price."
Ray let out a hoot and slapped Buddy on the back.
"Man, you got angels sitting on your shoulders! You always get what you want! Damn boy!"
Buddy was a little more reserved. He looked Beau over and gave it a moment's thought.
"I would have to check it out first. See what condition it is in, how many miles on are it, check the tires, you know. But if it checks out OK, then you and I might just be able to come to an agreement."
"Sure, sure. Of course. My friend and I was just leavin' for home anyways. Why don't you boys finish up here and then follow us? You can see the Airstream today."
"Go for it Buddy!" said Ray. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!"
"Shut up Ray!" smiled Buddy. But the smile on Buddy's face was evidence enough for Beau to know that the sale was more than 50 percent done already.
Ten minutes later the four of them paid and left the diner together. Beau gave the Deputy Sheriff a sly smile and the thumbs up sign as he walked by.
Once they were out of sight, the Deputy eased out of his booth, and paid the waitress on the way out. Time for him to go home and relax. This would be a good day for him too. The money Beau and Colt got for selling the Airstream to these guys would be split three ways. Maybe he would spend it on new big screen TV and a little trip to Mexico, he mused as he cruised down the road to his small house.
Yes, a very good day indeed.
Buddy and Ray followed closely behind Beau's truck as they negotiated the small back roads.
"Do you think this Airstream is the one you want?" asked Ray.
"I'll know when I see it" smiled Buddy.
It was not a long drive and soon the truck led the smaller car up a long winding lane to a large barn, sitting behind a ramshackle house.
Beau stepped out of the truck and made his way back to Buddy and Ray.
"Let me just check up on the Missus and I'll be right back. "Colt, you show them the Airstream out back. The keys are under the fender."
Colt did as he was told, and led the men around the back of the property towards the beautiful long vehicle.
Beau watched them go, then headed over to the house. He was in a much better mood than he had been just an hour ago. The kid wanted an Airstream so badly, he was sure he could squeeze him for as much money as possible. And if not, he would just scare the crap out of the kid until he did pay just as much as Beau wanted. And if his women were doing their jobs, his supper would be waiting for him when the deal was done. Hell, for a celebration he just might screw both of them for dessert!
Yanking the flimsy wooden door almost off its' hinges, Beau entered the house and looked towards the kitchen. There was no supper simmering on the stove. He looked around and saw no one in the living room or kitchen. What the hell was this?
"Sally? Sally you lazy bitch! Get on out here and fix me some dinner!" he screamed. He stomped through the living room and headed down the hall.
"Dammit girl! Get your lazy ass out here and get that bitch Teresa out here right now!"
Nothing. No response.
He stood, listening for sounds of the women hiding or trying to evade him. The house was too quiet for his liking.
"Sally, you don't want to test me girl! Now get the hell out here!" he yelled. Still nothing.
Beau stalked down the small hall and pulled open the bedroom door.
"Shit girl, get out here now" he yelled to the empty beds.
The empty bedroom was like a slap in the face to Beau. He ran to the bathroom and found it empty too.
"Goddammit!" he seethed.
He stood in the bathroom, seeing Sally's soap and hair brush. He picked up the brush and threw it into the mirror, smashing it into a thousand shards of broken glass. He would make her walk barefoot through that glass when he found her.
"Beau! Beau! Get on out here Beau!" yelled Colt from behind the house.
Shit, what now? thought Beau. Composing himself and putting a smile on his face for his two potential clients, he started to head towards the front door. One problem at a time he decided. Sally and that pregnant woman couldn't have gone very far on foot. He would finish the sale here and then find them and beat them to within an inch of their lives.
Beau ran down the steps and turned towards the barn. He walked to the back of the property and got to the Airstream. He put on his biggest smile and expected to see an excited buyer just dying to give away his money.
He stood still. There was no one there. No buyer, no friend, no Colt. Shit, what crap where they pulling now?
"Colt, get on back here. Where you at boys?" he called, trying to keep the frustration from boiling over in his voice.
Off to his left, behind the Airstream close to a little shack where he kept his rifles and ammunition, came Colt's urgent answer.
"Over here Beau!"
Beau turned and started to walk behind the Airstream. Once he got around the corner he looked up and suddenly stopped in shock. Standing in front of him were 6 excessively large men dressed in black with SWAT vests strapped over their uniforms. They wore helmets and face shields. All of them had their weapons trained on Beau. He looked over to his left and saw Colt in handcuffs and shackles on his ankles, being led away to a heavily armoured vehicle.
The man he knew as Ray from the diner stepped forward, an FBI vest on his chest.
"Beau Chandler, I have the pleasure of placing you under arrest for the attempted murder of Patrick Jane and the kidnapping and assault of Teresa Jane, grand theft auto, the use of a restricted weapon during the commission of a felony, statutory rape of a minor, and"
he paused for effect,
"well Beau, a whole bunch of other crimes that I am sure we will get around to in time" smiled Dennis Abbott. A young man approached Beau with handcuffs and shackles in his hands.
"My friend "Buddy" here will do the honours - hold out your hands!" commanded Abbott, as Jason Wylie stepped forward, smiling with satisfaction as he snapped the cuffs on a stunned Beau's wrists. For a man with so much pride and bravado, Beau was led away to his own armoured vehicle without a fight and without a whimper, a look of total disbelief on his unwashed face. He was so surprised he didn't have time to utter a single word of protest.
Dennis Abbott turned to his SWAT Team and signalled for them to head back to Austin. It had been a very good day indeed.
Deputy Sheriff Lassiter wandered into his bathroom and peered at his face closely in the mirror. He didn't look too bad for his age he thought. He examined his hair and found grey roots rimming his forehead. Frowning, he stripped down to his boxer shorts and white undershirt and opened his bathroom cupboard. His hand extracted a box of hair dye and he hummed to himself as he got busy squirting the yellowish goop on his short hair. If he was going to Mexico, he had to look good for the ladies! He knew this procedure well, and in a short time he had coated his hair with dye and wrapped his head in a plastic bag and towel. He prided himself on being able to dye his hair without getting a single drop of colour on his immaculate white undershirt.
Strolling into the living room, he sat down in his underwear and then settled down to watch some porn on his laptop. Visions of money, women and frosty drinks by a pool played in his mind as he enjoyed the sleazy show on the internet. Just as his body was reaching arousal, he was jolted out of his chair by simultaneous explosions at his front and back doors. He dove for the floor, thinking he was under attack. The wooden doors and frames splintered under the assault of a battering ram, and before he had time to realize what was happening, he was surrounded by 5 heavily armed men in black SWAT uniforms, weapons trained closely on his sprawled body. As he was being hauled to his feet, his towel slipped and the mushy plastic bag fell off his head, leaving a trail of dark yellow hair dye trailing down his face and across the front of his undershirt. The handcuffs forced onto his wrists cut into his skin and he found it next to impossible to walk fast enough to keep up to the pace set by his silent handlers, due to the heaviness of the shackles on his ankles. With one last look into his living room as he was dragged out, he saw a busty young woman running along a pristine white beach on the internet porn video. His vacation to Mexico now looked very far away.
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Amazing how fast the whole thing fell apart. But then these weren't the sharpest tacks in the package! Next chapter, Teresa and Patrick finally are brought together.
