Jane has returned stateside from Venezuela but his stubborn pride has landed him in an FBI detention suite. When Lisbon is attacked in Washington state, Jane must figure out how to help his best friend in the whole wide world.

"Mail call!"

A guard's voice rang down the FBI Detention Center hall, and Patrick Jane saw his personal guard go to see if there was anything for the detained consultant. Of course, if there was anything for him, it would have to be opened and checked for any unusual substances. He wasn't really expecting anything since nothing had shown up for the past 30 days.

Honestly, Patrick Jane tried to grasp onto the rare hope that maybe this time…. He waited in his chair impatiently, but knew his guard wouldn't be back for more than a few minutes.

He had never been this bored in his life. Granted, he was a man more prone to lying on a couch and taking a nap then one who initiated a hike, but this was getting ridiculous. He had been at the mercy of Dennis Abbott and the FBI for going on a month now, ever since he had returned stateside but refused to accept Abbott's work offer in exchange for a reduction/release of the charges against him. Lisbon had encouraged him to take the offer, but… Ah, Lisbon. His reflection of recent events was interrupted by thoughts of his beautiful, no gorgeous, Theresa. Jane stared blankly out the one window of his room. He missed her so much. For the rest of his life, he would remember their first hug after two years of being apart. She had smelled amazing--like vanilla and cinnamon and coffee-- and he had buried his nose in her dark brunette waves for a moment… Geeze. He really wished he could see her again, but word from his most frequent guard was that she had returned to her life in Washington 30 days ago.

Parrick's days of late consisted of stifling monotony. He was taken twice a day for a walk around the detention area for exercise, but other than that he remained in his singular room. His meals were even brought to him there. It wasn't solitary confinement by any means as he did have the window and attached private bathroom, but it was sparse. He also had access to an uncomfortable twin bed, a chair, side table and lamp, and an electric tea kettle. He kept asking for and devouring books, but other than that there was nothing to do. His life was a stalemate. Once a week, Abbot would visit briefly and ask him if he wanted to change his mind. A guard would also take any dirty clothes of his to be cleaned. Since he only had two suits, a few pairs of underwear, and his shoes, that was not a difficult task.

Having been in the detention suite for nearly a month made him wonder why Lisbon hadn't written to him before now. Was today the day that something would arrive? Surely, she had not completely signed him off. He'd upset her when he'd requested she be his partner again in Austin complaining that she had a respectable job she liked in Washington state. No way was she going to uproot her life again just because Jane had decided to come back. He might not have shown it overtly, but he had cringed and shriveled inside when she wouldn't even CONSIDER coming back to work with him.

A knock and his "cell" door opened. His guard had returned.

"Letter for you, Mr. Jane."

"Todd! You just made my day!" Jane exclaimed and stuck his hands out greedily. "Who is it from?"

"It doesn't say, but the return address is Washington state." Todd smiled having had quite a few conversations with Jane about Theresa Lisbon and her existence halfway across the country.

Jane grabbed the manila envelope and thanked the guard. It wasn't bulging at the seams, but it seemed there might be more than just one letter inside. It had to be from Theresa!

Inside Jane found a pair of woolen socks (handmade in Washington), a couple of magazines, and two letter-sized envelopes with his name and 'open first' on one and 'open second' on the other.

Todd shut and locked the door again and Jane settled into his chair eager to read Theresa's words.

Dear Jane,

I hope you are well, and the FBI is taking good care of you. I am fine here, and aside from a few DUI's and some school visits, there has been little to no crime in Cannon River.

So have you changed your mind and accepted Abbott's offer? I sure hope you have come to your senses. I was very happy to see you when you walked into that FBI interrogation room. I really wasn't sure if we would meet again. But, when you turned down Abbott's offer, I could not believe your pompous arrogance! You #%#@, #$, @#$, #@, and $%*.

(Lisbon had actually written out many choice and not so nice words at this point in her letter. Sometimes it was hard to believe her connection to Catholic school, but then that was his Lisbon. Tough as nails. He grinned and continued reading)

Jane, if you would just think sensibly and realize how little time five years is in the scheme of a lifetime. You can be free of Red John and the murder charges once and for all. You are the smartest person I know, but this is not the time to stand on principle. Please take the offer. If you do, I actually might consider moving to Texas and becoming your partner again. I will tell you why in the next letter.

Always,

Theresa

Jane read the letter again and then folded it back into the envelope for safe keeping. He smelled the paper she'd written it on, and he could get a very faint whiff of Theresa. He opened the second letter. It started much differently.

My dearest Patrick,

I am writing this letter to explain why I might actually consider uprooting my whole life once again, and this time to move to Texas. You see, I care for you. Deeply. I know that I am not the best at communicating, but it wasn't until I saw you again that I realized a significant piece of me had been missing for the last two years. I have carried on, but the thought of you and the image of your smiling face was never far from my mind. I missed your quirky, frustrating plans to solve a crime, your origami, your napping form on the couch, your snarky, sarcastic remarks, the way you would tease me, the way you pronounced my name, ... I missed YOU! I missed my partner and best friend. I know we often frustrated each other and sometimes even drove each other crazy, but we also supported each other and looked out for each other. I want to feel that camaraderie again...with you, Patrick. So, please accept Dennis Abbot's offer and then we can start making plans. We can work, and laugh, and solve crimes together again. I care so deeply for you Patrick and I absolutely hate the thought of you in a detention cell guarded by the FBI. There's no need for it. I will anxiously await news of your smart decision.

Yours Truly,

Theresa

Patrick Jane read and reread Lisbon's letter several times. He wanted to think that in between the lines and words she'd written, she had meant more than she had even alluded to. Could she possibly care for him as much as he did for her? Based on what she'd written, he allowed himself a glimmer of hope. He was beginning to realize that a future without his Theresa would be one he did not want to conjecture. Standing, he went to the door and rapped on it to get Todd's attention.

"Yes, Mr. Jane?"

"Todd, I need to talk to Dennis Abbott."

TBC