Author´s note: I do not own the song I used in this chapter.

Chapter 7: The enemy of my enemy…

Saturday morning was probably the strangest day in the past few years. She had got not much sleep, but the few hours that she rested, seemed to be enough to survive the day. It must have been a sleep as being dead to the world, without any dreams or visions. All around her lay the photo memories of her own childhood; she had been looking at them the whole evening. Her family… her three little brothers, some photos of her mum and dad, the dogs, of Tommy´s daughter Annie… She sighed and collected them together again, to put them back into the box before breakfast.

In the last moment she skipped the coffee and decided for a glass of milk instead; that was like an instinctive doing, which brought her immediately back to the thoughts that were running through her head. She had made her choice – although she could not say how it would be to be a real mum, and what might be coming to her. But no one could say that exactly. Of course it was her right to be afraid, but she had also the right to be happy.

But there was still something else to do; she had to find Jane and talk to him – to sort it out; better now than on Monday, in the Headquarter. For the beginning it was enough if only he knew. And this was difficult enough! Huh, maybe it would be easier to tell her team than him… she smiled. It was as if she could see their faces.

So she got dressed and took her cell-phone, dialed his number and asked, when he answered the call: »Hi Patrick, it´s me, where are you?«

»I´m at the CBI. Why are you asking?«

She sighed; he was in the bureau again, most likely working on their private case. Teresa was sure that he had not allowed him any rest for the last days. Maybe her problem would distract him a little bit. Oh, for sure it would distract him. She smiled. It distracted herself so much that she hardly thought about the cruel case that they were working on. That was concerning; she should be concentrated on solving the cruel murder and torture of the victims. Embarrassing how she was focused on her own now…

»Teresa, hello?« Jane requested. »You there?«

»Oh, um, sorry, of course I am still here. I need to meet you; have you got time to come to the Discovery Park? Let´s say in, about one hour, at the east entrance?«

»I´d love to.« he replied. »See you there.«

:-:

As if the anxiety about the talk to Jane was not enough, she felt sick after the breakfast and stumbled into the bathroom. The thought of being maybe feeling sick at a lot of mornings made her shudder; but the price was worth it. Maybe this was also a side effect of her new condition, but in the following moment she felt really happy again. What would her baby look like? Like him or like her? Coming up next was some trace of doubt, small, but nagging. What if it was not his? What if she was wrong, what if her common sense had betrayed her? Would it be better to find out before telling him? Or… never tell him and turn back to the medicine, she still got in her handbag? She shook her head. He was her best friend; maybe closest to family she´ll ever had since she moved to Sacramento, he would listen to her… or not? The longer she thought about this, the more difficult it seemed.

Finally she was ready, took her car keys and went for the exit. When she opened it, a small white envelope fell down; it must have been placed between door and frame. There was no address and no name upon it, but she was sure that it was meant for her. She did not touch the envelope at once, but looked around in her apartment; searching for some spare rubber gloves, and fortunately there was a pair, folded in her duty equipment. Then she took the message, sat down besides her table and opened it with care. There was nothing inside the envelope except a single sheet of paper; which proved to be a letter. It was hand written with red ink, and the letters were very correct and nice, as if the person had some abilities in calligraphy. Down at the bottom was a friendly looking Red Smiley. Her heart started to beat in a faster rhythm, and her hands got cold. A letter from… Red John?

»Dear Teresa!« she read with low voice. »I am sorry for what happened to you three weeks ago. I want you to know that I did not do this. There is no need to doubt my words, cause if I had decided to visit you, you won´t be alive to read my letter. But clearly someone tried to make it look like my work. And I do not like that. I currently have no clue who tries to abuse my signature. However, they seem to be after Jane. It would be too long to write all my reasons down; but; if you like, you can meet me today evening in the "Experience" Restaurant. I will be there at eight pm. Ask for Mr. Jon Herd.«

She put the letter down and shook her head. This was not a joke, this time she did not have the trace of a doubt. Teresa knew how Jane looked like when he saw a murder that was really done by Red John – and now for the first time she fully understood him. Never before this serial murder had addressed a single word directly at her. He had talked to Jane; and let him know through different friends and allies that he was still out there, yes... But until now it seemed as if the other CBI Agents did not exist for him. Why this spectacular change now? Why didn´t he get in contact with Patrick again, why did he choose her? Her heart was pounding so hard that she could feel her body moving with the beat.

Should she really meet him? Meet Red John? The thought of it made her feel sick – or was it a sign of her pregnancy again? No, not this time. It was fear, anxiety, and astonishment, and… yes, fear. She was really worried.

Red John also knew that someone was after Jane, and even he did not like that. Patrick too said, that the assaults on her and Cho did not entirely look like Red John´s doing. And now RJ man turned directly to Lisbon to tell her the same? That he did not do it? Was that some tricky try of an excuse, or a really serious statement? Strange, very strange. She would only find out if she´d meet him. Alone… she´d be alone with Red John and talk to him. But if this was a trap? Should she call for assistance? This could be the most perfect chance to catch that devilish serial killer… Yes! This was the best chance ever. If it was not him personally that was there, at least he would send some close ally or friend – if this letter was really as serious as she thought that it was.

But nevertheless, catching Red John or someone who passed on his words, would mean that there would be also new investigations on Jane. It was like being in a vicious circle. If she´d catch him, it was proved that Patrick shot the wrong man, and that his whole trial and his "innocent" sentence based on a lie. She could not do that. The price was too high. And RJ knew that she´d not call for assistance to catch him this evening. Otherwise he would never have made contact, never proposed that meeting. He knew how she felt, and he knew that she would risk a meeting, a date with him, only to protect Patrick.

Sighing, she had to admit, that it would be the best to follow the invitation.

:-:

»Wow! My meeting with Jane!« the thought shot through her head like lightning, she had to hurry, and left her home at a fast pace. Within the last half hour her life had become even more difficult. Maybe it was better not to tell him now, but he had the right to know.

To keep her from thinking, she turned on the radio, and let the music play loud – but even that did not help much. She had to smile, smile for her misfortune; or maybe it was destiny, yes, probably destiny, that there was a song on the radio, that seemed to fit the situation like no one else. Although the song made her thinking again, she kept listening to it, while she was watching Jane, who was waiting at the park entrance, and not aware that she was there. It was Marlon Roudette´s "Anti Hero". Not a very new song, but not very old either. There were certain lines that came so close to her feelings that she could not believe it. It was as if Jane spoke to her through this song. » I am the first to recognize the virtue, in everything you are; in everything you try to be…«Yes of course, he was. Sometimes he overrun her with his crazy ideas, but he always respected her. The song carried on, and also the refrain fitted him. He was her anti-hero, he could be such a pain in the neck sometimes, he had blown a lot of chances, and yes, he could have known love… But... »You were the first to, recognize and refer to, everything I am; not just who I'm trying to be.« She was probably, no – most likely – the only person he really trusted, and she would never underestimate him, never. How intense the feelings could be if the moment was right… She smiled and blinked a tear away. Still listening to the nice song, the refrain again, she took a few deep breaths. It was now or never, why do I hesitate? She had to talk to him.

»You decide if I´m the one.« the song ended. Yes. I decide.

She opened the door and went to him, waving. »Good morning.« she said. Looking at him now, from close by, made her clear that he had not taken any rest, he still was outworn and looked extremely tired. »You look awful. You should get some sleep.«

»Good morning.« he replied, ignoring her reproach, and smiled weakly.

They started to walk. »Patrick, I am sorry that I did not listen to you. I can see that you still are concerned about what happened to me. I can´t hush it up, or distract you. You will always care for me, am I right? Even more now, after Cho was attacked.«

He sighed, that proved her more than thousand words that she´s been right. Then he explained: »I´ve read through all files we have about Red John, even tried to get the FBI ones. I found no evidence that he ever did something like that before. So either it was not him – what I tend to believe; or he changed his mind so much – to… whatever. Maybe he gets joy now by watching people who he let live by his mercy, but… no, it is not his style. Nevertheless I also can´t see any reason why any impostor should attack us; you, and Cho... If there was a person who wants to be like Red John, why turns this person exactly on CBI Agents, that are close to me, and not on an innocent victim?«

Oh, if he knew how much the ideas he had fitted the letter, that she got from Red John this morning! But if she´d tell him about that, he´d probably freak out. But she must go to this meeting, to listen to Red John´s version of the things… he seemed to think a lot like Jane… »Ah, what?« she asked, being suddenly aware that he´d been asking her something.

He repeated: »This little nice-talking was not the real reason why you wanted to meet me. There´s something else. Right?«

»You are right.« suddenly it seemed to be easier to tell him that, than to talk about the strange letter and Red John. »Could we sit down here, at the bench, for a moment?«

»Yes?« his answer was a little bit uneasy, as if he expected something awful.

Now it was not the time to hesitate; this was the chance to get at least one of the problems closer to be solved. »I was at my house doctor for some sleeping pills, cause all that stress in work, but he refused the prescription. The reason is… I am pregnant. The specialist confirmed it yesterday. I was really surprised about that, and for a while I thought of another way, but then, after I had some time to think, I decided that I want that child.«

»Wow, congratulations!« he smiled, and hugged her short and soft, as if he was suddenly afraid to hurt her, then he sat back next to her, and said, with cheery voice: »I am so happy for you! Walter will be surprised, I assume. Have you told him yet? What did he say? I don´t remember if he has any children out of his prior relationships.«

»Walter?«

He nodded, still smiling: »Yes, Walter Mashburn. Your billionaire friend.«

»It´s not Mashburn´s; Patrick!« She was irritated, close to be stunned. »If it was, I wouldn´t sit here; talking to you.« How could he be so slow on the uptake? But… Hey!… one part of her brain yelped. It was as if a blinking, seducing "Exit" sign was clearly there.

He shrugged his shoulders: »Oh, sorry. I just thought you wanted some advice, how to tell him, never mind my words. Is it some new guy? Have I ever met him before, or is he a stranger, some new neighbor maybe? Or is he working at the CBI?«

She smiled, no lies needed, but a little bit carefulness. If she´d regret it somehow later, at least he could not call her a liar. He was totally off the rails. So she answered: »Um, yes, I would say that you have met him before; and he´s working at the CBI.«

»Any names?« He asked curiously. »Or do you want to surprise him, on Monday, maybe, or on another occasion? Tell me, Lisbon, I won´t spoil you anything, promise…« He seemed to think about it for a while. »But…hm… keep your secret, if you like. I will know when someone really freaks out for joy in the CBI.« he smiled. »And here is my advice: If I was in the father´s place, I would prefer you to be honest. I´d wish you to tell me; as early as possible, probably at a nice dinner, or a relaxing breakfast, maybe on a peaceful walk through the park or something.« he laughed, and looked so happy like seldom before. »So you´ll be a mum, I can´t believe it. Our Lisbon, deciding to get a child! How will the unit survive without you? It will be a totally different CBI. But you come back after that, will you? And you promise to show me photos, ok?«

She nodded and smiled: »Jane, stop it, yeah? You will see me almost every day until I have to go to maternity. And as far as I can tell you now… I of course plan to come back.«

He leaned back in the sunlight and stretched his feet: »It´s still unbelievable.« He took a deep breath, and decided: »We have to find the person who´s after us, as fast as possible. I don´t want you to be in danger anymore.«

»Of course.« Lisbon answered. »I don´t want you to be in danger either.«

After a few seconds of silence, they decided to go back to the happy feelings: »You like some ice-cream or a frozen yoghurt?« Teresa asked. »I am starving… my breakfast was really small and… well, my stomach did not quite like it. I could need some sugar now.«

He agreed: »Yeah, ice would be fine… but then I think I really have to go home for a while. Your wonderful story distracted my focus, and I recognize for the first time how tired I really am… Maybe it would be the best to stop staring into the files for a while and look at them, once I am refreshed.«

»Agreed.« Lisbon answered, and they went for the ice cream shop.

Dusk. The time had come. It was not easy, but maybe the only way to protect Patrick; so Teresa dressed up to meet with the man who was most likely Red John. What would he look like? Would he try to do threaten her? Was it right to go there alone? Maybe this was the only possibility get him. But what, if a talk to him was the only chance to get Jane out of this.

She was at the "Experience" Restaurant at eight p.m. sharp; and was not surprised. The whole restaurant´s front was blackened with thick garments and everything inside was pitch black; even the entrance area was shed by a curtain and a special door that let no ray of light in. This restaurant was known for it´s unconventional events. Every month they changed the main theme in their restaurant; this month it was "Dinner in the Dark". People were chattering, the restaurant was well visited; but no one could see his or her opposite.

»Can I help you?« a waiter asked.

»Yes. I am searching for Mister Jon Herd. He invited me for dinner.«

She could see a very small lamp, which was only the one-diode key light of the waiter, but he seemed to look inside his book. »Oh, yes, he is already here. Would you follow me please, the little white light will lead your way.« A few moments later she was at a table, and the waiter showed her the chair, but in the very little light amount there was no chance to see the face or even the outline of the man that was waiting for her.

»Agent Lisbon, I am glad that you came.« the voice of a man said.

»I could not resist, Jon. But I could have expected somehow, that you would manage somehow, that I don´t see you. A clever trick that you chose this restaurant.«

»Never mind, Teresa, we are not here to see each other, but to talk; and to have something to eat, if you like.« his voice was calm and friendly.

»Right.« she answered. »But how can I be sure that you are the one, you claim to be?«

Jon Herd laughed shortly, then he said: »Well, let´s try this. When I found Jared Renfrew, in Tijuana; I left him and the bitch in the bath-tub. He pretended to be dead to distract me, but while I was arranging my sign on the wall, he also wrote something with his own blood; the words "He is Mar". You remember that? I did not delete them, because it was an interesting puzzle piece, that you haven´t solved until today.«

»Yes. I remember.« she said with a stern voice. »Are you proud that you tortured and killed so many people?«

»Hm… I don´t think that you´d understand, even if I try to explain it. But we are not here to discuss my doings, aren´t we? We are here to talk about the things I did not do.«

This moment the waiter asked for the drink and first course, and held out a menu that was written with slightly gleaming letters. They both chose and the waiter went away.

Teresa picked up the talk again: »So you did not attack me?«

»No, I swear it. I was not with you and I did not break into Agent Cho´s house. But really…« he laughed sarcastically. »You could have guessed that I did not do this, if you think about it. It is not my style to let somebody live, if I pay them my regards. I make exceptions, of course, if I want, but most times I finish my work.« he paused. »We both know that this has something to do with our good friend Patrick.«

Lisbon sighed: »I fear so. But what do you want from me now? You hate him, why don´t you sit and watch what´s gonna happen to him?«

»Teresa, you are wrong. I do not hate him. I thought him a lesson, yes – he must not underestimate me. And he learned, oh, how he learned! He´s a really interesting opponent; this game is much too fascinating to let it be ruined by someone else. Besides, I do not like it if someone discredits my work.« Jon Herd paused, because the waiter came closer to bring the drinks and the soup, and was waiting for the main course order.

»I don´t think that I want something to eat.« Lisbon said. »The soup is enough.«

Jon Herd insisted: »Sorry to be bossy, Teresa, but you should eat something, that´s better for you. Believe me.« He turned to the waiter: »I get the steak, with fried potatoes; and for the charming Lady … the lemon chicken and rice, with some steamed vegetables?«

She agreed: »Ok. That sounds good.« and turned to her opposite: »Thank you for the choice.« I really talk to Red John on friendly terms. What a strange world.

When they were alone again, Jon asked: »Would you tell me what you already know about the people who did this to you?«

Lisbon answered: »Not much. You seem to know already almost all. I had not time to talk to Jane about that lately, because we were so consumed by this other case… a man was tortured and murdered brutally, another one so much tortured and humiliated that he´ll never be happy again. Also his wife was in the hands of the persons who did this… sorry, I should not talk about that. This is an ongoing investigation.«

The man replied: »Never mind, I won´t talk. These persons, are they strangers to you, just like a case, or are they linked somehow with you or the CBI?«

Her voice was cautious: »Why do you ask? What do you know? I mean, do you really want to have investigation details from me?«

»Yes. Talk. That´s why I am here. I need more information to hold on.«

She took a deep breath: »They are linked to the CBI, and to us; to my team and to another team, and also the witness protection program, and to a man called Levine. But there is no real proof that he´s behind the murder and the torture. But Levine is also linked to my team. We turned him in, so that he finally got to court and got sentenced.«

Jon sounded, as if a shudder ran through his body, when he answered: »Lazar Levine? God, I´ve heard from him; and what he can deliver or sell, if one wants it. A disgusting person. I know that he´s behind bars. But it is new to me that you and your team brought him there. But as I can assume, the two tortured persons were the main witnesses in his trial. Right? Hm. A strong relation, yes… I can also say that Patrick had a lot of fun with Mr. Levine, and that this man did not like that?«

»Yes, Jane really played his tricks on Levine. Do you want to tell me…«

Jon giggled: »You are quite quick in understanding, Teresa. Yeah. I want to pose the question, that all your happenings might be linked.«

»Linked?« Lisbon was breathless. »But who should… oh no, you don´t believe that…«

»I am afraid, I do. What if Mr. Levine, who´s up to get the death sentence for all his doing, is up for revenge before he dies? He somehow ordered to kill and torture the men who spoke against him, and he´s attacking your team. But he´s not up to kill you; apparently… nevertheless he affected you. He hurt you deeply with the attack on you. Am I right? He really hit you and Jane, because you know, Teresa, you know, that you are only alive because of his mercy. And the attack on Agent Cho and his girlfriend? It was not meant to kill them either, but to scare them. Otherwise they won´t be alive.«

She nodded, and she was sure he noticed her head movement, even without seeing her: »And how could someone threaten Jane the most, if not with you?« she said. »I mean, that´s tricky, that´s a really good plan. They must know that you are officially dead. They knew that I would keep silent and suffer, instead of turning him in. They were trying to wear me down, also with the attack on Cho. And they knew, if anyone found out that you are possibly the attacker, Jane´s own court case would be reopened.«

»That´s a good summary.« Jon said. »And, what comes next, if the case about Jane shooting me is reopened, Patrick might end up in jail again, for detention, or to prevent him from leaving the county... If they prove that he lied to the jury and all, he´s surely behind bars again. No one can do anything against that. And where would they put him? He´s citizen of Sacramento County, he´ll be…«

Teresa startled in shock: »He´ll be in the Sacramento County Jail, with Levine. Oh crap. That´s what he´s waiting for! To get Jane in his direct reach.« She jumped to her feet. »I have to tell him immediately.«

Jon insisted: »Calm down, don´t act too hasty. I promise I will try everything I can, so that Jane is not coming into Levine´s reach. Call it a favor, or call it just some… affection to our little Jane-John game, that we´re playing… I will help you. The safest way to stop Levine´s actions is to prove that he´s behind all this, that he really is able to give his orders out of jail. If we can prove that some way, he´s guilty in one more murder and in two very cruel acts of torture; in addition to that guilty for the attack on at least two CBI Agents. That would bring him into a Highest Security Jail somewhere, and his process of parole will be done forever. You are rid of him, and I have got the persons who tried to copy me.«

»You want me to trust you?« she could not believe it.

He smiled: »Well, maybe not trust me… "trust" is such a strong word. But don´t betray me. You know what I am capable of. Please do not misunderstand me now! I am not trying to intimidate you. But you know what I could do. You can take my hand or leave it, but I can´t predict what´ll come out in the end if we both try on our own. I will carry on the attempt to find the men who want to be my fare-dodgers, and when I find them, I´ll kill them, and let everybody know who did it. That´s who I am. I can´t change.«

Lisbon growled: »You are cruel, you know? But you also cannot get forward all alone, I assume, otherwise you wouldn´t have asked for this meeting. You did not know about Levine and his possible connection. Only my words brought you closer to the impostors, that try to discredit your work – as you call it.«

»Right, Teresa, right. And therefore I owe you one. So I repeat my offer. Take my hand, give me your word that you won´t betray me; and you got a friend in me – as you might never had one before. I promise.«

She still hesitated. It was like a pact with the devil, but for Jane´s sake? Would he do it for her? Of course, without any regret. She would accept that deal, and in the end it helped not only Patrick; it was for all her team members, to protect them and… also for herself. Red John was a man like maybe no one else, with capacities that she could hardly imagine now.

Taking a deep breath she reached out and tried to find his hand in the dark, finally they met, and she took his hand. He had soft skin and fine fingers, and his touch was firm, but still gentle. »I agree, Mr. Herd. But if we are over with this – we are on other terms again.«

»I´ve not expected anything else.« he replied. »So I also agree, Teresa.«

There was a short period of silence in which the other food came; the waiter was a little bit sour that neither of them had touched the soup yet, but for an excuse they said that they had been talking so much that they hardly noticed the food. So the waiter left everything on the table, and… to Teresa´s surprise, she really had the calmness to eat, first a little bit of the lukewarm soup, and then the really delicious Lemon Chicken.

Jon Herd ensured her: »It is good that you eat, Teresa. Your skin felt really cold, I assume you had not much time for you own in the last weeks. But this case is going to get really bad, I fear. You´ll need your strength.«

»You talk as if you knew that I am overtired and…«

This moment her phone rang out disturbed from the noise, several other guests growled and asked for silence. Hastily she tried so switch it off; but when she saw that Rigsby was in the line, she felt a cold shiver run through her body. Not Rigsby, not on a Saturday evening, nine p.m. This was not good.

She rose from her seat, holding the still vibrating cell phone to her ear, and followed little, self gleaming markings to the toilet. »Rigs?« she asked immediately, when the door was closed behind her. »What happened?«

»Calling the team…« he answered, his voice was agitated and stressed. »We need to come to Agent Mallory´s house immediately. She´s… I don´t know why Senior Agent Price called me first, maybe just by chance… Agent Christine Mallory has been attacked, boss, she´s dead… and also her teammate Agent Ramirez…« He gasped for breath.

»We think she managed to call someone ere the blood loss tore her down, maybe… ah, we just don´t know, it´s too early… but what they say it is Red John. Boss, he is not dead! He went after them with his usual brutality. He´s not dead, boss, the FBI is right. Jane lied, that vicious killer is still alive! And this faces on the wall, painted with their blood…one for each of them, the locals say. We have to be there as fast as possible!«

Lisbon searched for support at the wall of the bathroom and leant against it, her feet were not strong enough to carry her. »The police is informed now?«

Rigsby answered: »Yes, of course. Some neighbor passed by the house while going on a walk with her dog and saw the blood on the window. She called the police and of course they guard the crime scene now. Agent Price was informed because they were in his unit and we… of course we were informed because we are the Red John investigators. And I think also the FBI knows. They need us at the crime scene. Address is…«

He gave her the address and then Teresa answered him: »We meet there as soon as possible. I try to round up the team, would you please ask Agent Price whether he needs any assistance? I am sure that they are all in shock.«

»Yes, boss.« he said, and disconnected the call.

There was a soft knock on the restroom door: »Agent Lisbon, are you fine?« Red John alias Jon Herd asked. »What happened?«

She replied: »I have to leave, two people of another team that we were working with were attacked, and they left your mark on the wall. Please step back if you don´t want that the light in here falls on your face.«

»Teresa, I don´t mind you seeing my face. I got your promise. But maybe it is better if we do not reveal my identity right now – it is not important. But may I ask you to send me the photos of the crime scene, I´d like to look at them.«

She hesitated for a moment: »Yes, I will. I need a safe e-mail-address where to send them. If you wish, I send you an additional photo…«

»Of the wall painting in Agent Cho´s house?« he replied. »If it is possible, then yes. It would be interesting. Here is a the e-mail you wanted, and a phone number, if you ever want to call me. It might be necessary.« A small piece of card paper, was pushed through the small gap below the door. »Don´t expect to find any fingerprints.« Red John informed her, with a friendly intonation. »I will go back to our table now. You´re invited on my expense. Hurry up so that you get there soon.«

»I will. So step back, please.«

»One moment more, Teresa.« he told her. »I really want to help you to get those people who abuse my signature – but you can be sure, if everything is going the right way and you do not betray or disturb me in my revenge, no one will ever know that I laid hand on them. I hate it if someone tries to copy my work – and they did it again now, that´s even worse for them. But at least you now know, without any doubt, that I am not behind this.«

»Yes, I know. But don´t expect that I am happy about that.«

»I don´t expect you to be.« he replied, his voice full of understanding. »Good bye.« There were steps leaving in front of the door.

Lisbon gave him a few seconds to get away, then she also opened the door and called for a waiter who helped her to find the exit immediately. She was kind of shocked by the great amount of light that was outside; although it was already dark. She took out her phone again and dialed the numbers of Cho, Van Pelt, and at last Jane. They promised to be at Agent Mallory´s house as soon as possible.

:-:

When Lisbon arrived at Agent Mallory´s house which was in a nice, quiet area, she could see the flashlights of the police cars from far away, and the area was clearly outlined. They allowed no one to pass by the house, all cars had to turn round and drive back. Cars were only allowed to stop if they were police or other law enforcement, even the press was held off, but there were already three press-vans waiting for the first interviews. Teresa was lucky, the policemen let her through and she could park the car right in front of the house.

There she could see that Van Pelt and Jane had already arrived. While Grace was talking to the policemen who had been the first at the crime scene, Jane was looking at the bloody dots and splashes on the window, that were clearly visible from the outside. She hurried closer and when the younger, red haired Agent saw her boss coming, she turned immediately at her.

Van Pelt said at first: »Cho´s gone to the Headquarter to pick up our crime scene pack, cause none of us has any rubber gloves or shoe protectors with them, not even a single plastic bag. Sorry for that, boss, I was out and left my equipment at home. Rigsby has been here before, but he went over to the witness that called the police now, to listen to her story, as long as it is still fresh in her mind.«

»That´s good.« Lisbon answered. »A good idea. So he´s the first Agent of the CBI that is talking to her. Her memories are still fresh – I call him later.«

Jane was also next to them now: »Lisbon, would you please come with me for a moment? I must show you something, right here from the outside.«

»Of course.« She followed him to the blood-stained window, and also Van Pelt joined them. »I am here… and oh!« Teresa continued. »I see what you mean.« She sighed. »The murderer was really eager that his doing would be revealed as soon as possible. The blood on the window is not there by chance.«

Jane nodded: »Yes, that´s it. You see the curtains, right behind to that really awful gash of blood? They are perfectly clean, the blood was painted on the glass by hand and with care, and I do not think that the small lamp that enlightens the white curtain behind the blood like a screen, is there by chance. This time the murderer wanted to show the public, that he was there.«

They went in the house, only the three of them, but they were sure that Cho and Rigsby would be there within a few minutes. At first they saw Agent Ramirez body, in the living room, next to the couch, and the head of the small reading lamp was turned in a way so that it sent his light right at the window on which they could see the blood from the outside. At the opposite wall the well known smiley face stared back at them with evil eyes, and the traces of the attack could still be seen everywhere. There was so much blood… they went upstairs now for a short look, and saw Agent Mallory, who was next to the bed. Blood was everywhere, but the biggest amount of course right next to her. The land line telephone next to the bed was covered with bloody dots and fingerprints, and there was the constant beeping of a disconnected line in the room; because the emergency center had stopped the call, but Agent Mallory hadn´t put back the receiver.

Jane stared at the face on the wall behind the bed, and his face showed revolt and disgust, but not complete shock. Lisbon joined Van Pelt for a search around the room, but always kept an eye on Patrick. Everything looked like as if it had been the work of that serial killer. The policemen outside all talked about the re-appearance of Red John and what this could mean. RJ attacking again, RJ breaking into the house of a CBI Agent… Red John alive?

But Jane did know the truth. He knew almost instinctively that it was not Red John´s doing, and if one watched him closely, one could see it in his eyes. It was a gruesome attack, shocking for all of them, but it was done by an unknown person.

»Boss? Van Pelt? Jane?« Cho´s voice interrupted them: »I´ve brought the basic equipment, and the forensics unit have come with me too. They started downstairs.« He tried to stay calm, but the look he shared with Jane and Lisbon explained it all. He and Summer had really been lucky, that they were not at home. »So Red John is back?« he said.

Jane shook his head: »No.« He cleared his throat. »This is not the work of Red John, I am sure. It must have been some impostor – but a good one. You must know him very well to see the difference. Red John likes to put an aura of show, of perfect arrangement, of some style in his doings. This here… is an expression of dumb violence and the abuse of a razor blade. The faces are both wrong; maybe they do not know better, or they want me to know now that it is not truly RJ.«

Cho asked: »How do you mean that? Letting only you know that it´s a fake?«

»If those impostors try to convince everybody else that Red John is not dead, they will be successful. But they include one little "mistake" every time, so that a real RJ expert knows that it was not him – but not those who are eager to investigate against him, won´t notice.«

Lisbon requested again: »So one is after you, and wants you to know that?«

»I slowly start to believe that. But I think that this someone is after us all.«

Jane nodded: »Yes, but it will be hard to explain it. We should go and join Rigsby with the questioning, let´s find out what the civilian witness might tell the media, if they pay her enough money. Let the forensics work on this, and tell them clearly that they are not investigating a Red John attack.«

»Will do.« Cho said immediately and went downstairs to pass the instructions on to the forensics team. Flashes of a photo camera interrupted the light level in the house, when they all left.

Lisbon said: »After we´ve talked to the witness, we are to stay here to for support of Agent Price and his remaining team members. They´ll all be in shock of course… like we are.« They found Rigsby three houses down the road and went in immediately. The witness repeated her story in short words again. At least she seemed to be trustworthy; she only told them what she´d really seen; and did not try to make her story more interesting or sellable by adding some fictional details. She never mentioned Red John, although she must have already heard the rumors that were circling the area like birds of prey.

»But that means nothing, I fear.« Lisbon said in a quiet moment to Jane. »She´s only a person who passed by and saw the sign that the murderers left. If it had been not her, it would have been the postman in the morning, or some jogger, maybe the paper boy. One can´t oversee the blood in the window. And now all the police knows that Red John is back. Patrick, I am afraid that there will be lots of questions coming.«

He nodded: »Yes, I also expect that. But I can deal with it. We must put our focus on the person who really is behind this. We´ve got two deaths now… it can´t get any worse. I am pretty sure that they won´t make a step back again. They will kill the next one that they are after too… we have to stop them! We have to find the missing link.«

Rigsby asked: »Um, excuse me, but somehow I have the impression that you share a secret… I am sorry, I mean… wouldn´t it be time to tell us the truth now? Cho says that this was not Red John, the policemen say that it was Red John, Grace is confused, and I am too. There´s more to this than the attack on Agent Price´s team members, right?«

»Yes, right.« Lisbon confirmed. »And I promise that we´ll talk as soon as possible, when we are alone, only the five of us. But now we really have to support Agent Price. We must hold together in these difficult times. You understand that, Rigs?«

»I do.« he replied. »But I do not like it.«

Cho added: »No one likes it. You´ll understand it soon.«