Several hours after requesting an audience with Dennis Abbot, his jailer Todd finally came to get him to escort him to Dennis Abbott's office. Jane was in an agitated state due to the length of time it had taken for his request to be acknowledged.

"It's about time," complained Jane. "Do you know what's been taking so long?"

"All I know, sir, is that Mr. Abbot was in meetings all morning."

"Alright. Well, let's go see 'the man', Todd."

Even Todd couldn't resist a small smirk at that one.

Upon entering the FBI bureau chief's office, Dennis Abbott gave Patrick Jane a dressing down with just a grim look. He didn't rise from his desk, but indicated that Jane should sit. Todd closed the office door behind him, but remained posted outside.

"So, Jane. I understand you have something you want to tell me," said Abbott.

"That is correct," said Jane.

"Ok. I'm listening."

Jane sighed and launched in. Anyone witnessing his testimony might have suggested that he seemed almost contrite and submissive.

"First of all, Dennis, let me say thank-you for such a comfortable 30-day stay in detention. I don't want to seem ungrateful, but I think I would like to be finished with that."

Dennis Abbott raised his eyebrows in question and surprise.

Jane took a deep breath. "I agree to your terms."

"Great." Dennis reached for Jane's contract. He quickly reread the requirements of Jane's next five years, and Jane nodded in agreement. He would: 1) Work as a consultant to the Austin FBI for the next five years. 2) He would answer directly to Dennis Abbott as his supervisor. 3) He would fulfill all requirements (training, 9 to 5 hours, professional dress, etc.) required of other FBI employees 4) The agreement could be revoked per Dennis Abbott at any given time, but if completed successfully, Jane's record of felonies acquired during the demise of Red John would be expunged from his record.

Jane still cringed internally at being so subject to someone else's control, but he realized that if he wanted to pursue a relationship with Lisbon, this is what he would have to do. Her letters had given him hope, and at this point he would sacrifice just about anything to see her beautiful face again.

"Jane?" Abbott was addressing him again.

"And Lisbon, Abbott? Could you create a job here for her if she wants it?"

"I have already offered her a position. In fact I visited her in Washington last weekend."

"You did?"

"Yes. I wanted to see if she had any ideas for us for how to get you to relinquish your detained status."

"How was she?" Jane was anxious for any news of Theresa.

"She was a busy city police chief, Jane. She said she was sorry to hear that you were still digging in and not giving an inch, but she felt like she had no influence over you. She certainly didn't seem over anxious to give up her position in Canon River and move to Austin to work for the FBI."

"She really said she felt like she had no influence over me?" Jane wished she knew the truth. Actually, if Theresa told him to walk on hot coals for peanut butter, he would have done it. He wanted her so much now; he would do just about anything.

"What if somehow, I can convince her? Would she have a job?"

"Oh, I would love to have Theresa here. Having an agent with her experience and success would be immensely valuable."

"Alright then, give me a pen, Dennis, and I will sign on the dotted line."

A smile crossed Dennis's face and Jane's face as well.

After the signing, Jane went back to his suite, but now the door was left open, his electronics were returned, and Jane was free to come and go as he pleased. He would officially start work in about a week, and Abbott had given him that time to get settled in Austin-- find an apartment, a car, etc. All Jane could think of was catching the next red eye flight to Seattle so he could drive to Canon River and see Theresa. They had a lot to talk about, and he could hardly wait to see her.

When his phone was recharged, he sent a text to Theresa's number.

Guess who's been released from detention?

No response.

Theresa? Is this your number?

No response.

Her lack of response concerned him fleetingly, but he assumed she just had her phone off. He was certain that once she saw his message, she would get back to him.

Jane logged into his laptop and started looking at apartments in the nearby area to the FBI office. It wasn't what he wanted to do, but it had to be done. He would need someplace to rest his head, AND he wanted out of this damn suite as soon as possible.

After awhile, it was getting late and his stomach growled. Ahh, he could leave and get his own food. He still hadn't heard back from Theresa, but decided in her honor, he would go get some Thai food. Requesting an Uber, he left for a couple of hours to once again integrate with mainstream society.

When Jane returned it was after 6 pm. There was still no response from Theresa, so he tried again. He even got brave and tried to call her. He'd picked up a new phone when he went our and wanted to make sure she had his number. Her phone went right to voicemail. He loved hearing her voice, but he was still concerned. He left a quick message telling her of his new number. He told her he was anxious to talk to her. Then he hung up. He felt like she would have responded by now even if it was just to yell at him. Where was she? All kinds of thoughts went through Jane's mind. Did she go away for a couple of days and disconnect from technology? Did she have a new person/man in her life? Had she changed her phone number? He decided to go back upstairs and see if Abbott was still around. Since he'd seen Theresa last weekend, maybe he would know something.

Luckily, Dennis was still there as was Cho. They were conferring quietly in Abbott's office. The door was open. Jane knocked on the door jamb. Both agents looked at him, serious looks of concern painting their features.

Jane said, "What? What is it?" He sensed something bad had happened.

"Jane, come in." Dennis said seriously.

Jane moved inside. "Tell me."

Not one to mince words, Dennis said softly, "It's Lisbon, Jane."

Jane's stomach jumped into his throat and fear grabbed his nervous system.

"What? What happened? Cho? Dennis?" Jane stepped closer to the two men.

Cho spoke this time. "Jane, Lisbon was attacked in her home sometime last night by an unknown intruder and as of right now, she's missing."

Jane couldn't quite wrap his mind around the stoic agent's words.

"Missing??"

"Yes. That's what the state police and Seattle FBI unit told us when we teleconferenced with them moments ago."

"What? Why didn't you call me?"

"We tried, buddy, but your number said it was disconnected." Cho reached a hand out to Jane's shoulder.

"Dammit! I got a new phone just today! They changed my number." The tone of Jane's voice was becoming desperate. He could kick himself now for having gone out for the Thai food. He almost felt like vomiting. His beautiful, strong, and tough Lisbon was missing? How could this be. He tried to pull in his desperation.

"What do you know?"

TBC