"I'm not wearing this!"

Jane couldn't help but laugh at the sheer look of horror on Lisbon's face. It was a delight.

"I know you think that, but you will. Don't worry you don't have to put it on until later. Now let's get ready we need to be off."

Jane disappears into the bathroom. Lisbon is left alone with the dress. As she puts it away inside it's box she couldn't help remembering the Christmas when she was 6 and she opened a similar box with a much smaller version of the dress inside.

Jane put the box holding the dress into the trunk of his car. He then reached into the back seat and retrieved some sheets of paper which he handed to Lisbon:

"Read these, they will give you an idea of what you need to do."

Jane takes three attempts to start the car

"It doesn't like these cold mornings"

"Jane these mornings are not cold. Your car will never survive in Chicago."

"Why am I going to Chicago Lisbon"

"You're not going to Chicago I was just making a point with a place that has cold mornings."

You can't send me to Chicago. They won't like me there because I'll be unable to work as my brain will freeze"

"Who says we like you here."

Jane looks in mock horror.

"Lisbon now that hurts, after all I have done for you. Decorations, dinner, Hot Chocolate,"

"I wish you were going to Chicago. Now shut up and let me read"

Jane smiles

"No need for being so testy. I was just saying I didn't want to go to Chicago and you can't make me!"

Lisbon lets out a big sigh and holds the sheets of paper in front of her face as she reads. She quickly breaks the silence.

"You're doing a magic show."

"Got it in one my dear."

Lisbon scowls but Jane continues before she can reprimand him.

"And you are my lovely assistant. That is a list of the tricks I am going to perform so you know what is coming. ...Er what are you looking for?"

Jane has glanced over and sees Lisbon urgently searching through the pages.

"You had better not be sawing me in half"

"Relax. I can do that trick and quite impressively I may add, but I don't have the necessary props. Here we are."

"Jane I can't do this. I don't know anything about magic."

"You don't need to. It is your job to look lovely and act as a distraction."

"I can't do that either"

Lisbon hissed.

"Sure you can my dear - you underestimate your talents. Now come on show time!"

Jane gets out and removes Lisbon's dress, a similar box and a case from the trunk. Lisbon looks around surprised to see that they are parked in front of a large brightly coloured house.

"What is this place"

"This is the Mira Loma Children's shelter. They look after children up to the age of 10."

Jane has everything in his arms and heads towards the door. Lisbon quickly follows. As they approach, the door is swung open and a woman of about 40 with blonde hair cut into a bob that reaches to her chin line, wearing a Christmas sweater with a snowman on it, is standing on the threshold. She leans into the house:

Martin come and help Patrick with his things."

A man of similar age and dress, his sweater has a Santa on it, appeared beside her and came towards them relieving Jane of his burden. As they arrived at the door the woman embraces Jane in a hug. When they break Jane points to Lisbon.

"This is Theresa Lisbon. Her Christmas was spoiled by the snow in the mountains so I rescued her and she is helping me today. Lisbon this is Jenny, she runs this place with her lucky husband Martin."

It's a pleasure to meet you"

Lisbon extends her hand.

"Teresa Lisbon! You're boss!"

"The very same."

Jenny ignores the hand and gives her a hug.

"A pleasure to meet you. I have heard a lot about you and I don't envy you having to keep this one in check."

"Not many people do."

Jane puts on a hurt face.

"Hey I'm standing right here."

The two women laugh and they all enter the house.

As they make their way across the spacious hallway, it seems to Lisbon that everyone knows who Jane is. She leans in whispers to him:

"How often do you come here."

"Once a month."

Jenny leads them into the kitchen, Jane heads towards the kettle and starts to fill it with water. He goes into a cupboard and takes down a cup. He then reaches for another one and shakes it with a questioning look towards Lisbon. She nods and he does the same towards Jenny. In a few minutes they are sat around the table with a steaming cup in front of them. Lisbon looks at Jane

"How long have you been coming here?"

"About 3 yrs. Do you remember we had that case with the little girl Kari who became an 'orphan' when we had to arrest her parents for murder. This is where she spent the first few nights while social services were tracking down relatives."

"Yes I remember, she was quite a handful, she had you running in circles"

Jane looks affronted

"She did not! I just let her think so"

Lisbon does not look convinced

"Yea right! You checked up on her"

"It was the least I could do after taking her parents away from her."

"You weren't responsible Jane, it was her parents fault"

Jane smiled reassuringly

"I know"

Jenny watched the exchange and pleased that Lisbon obviously cared as much for Jane and Jane did for Lisbon. In the time she had known him and the little that he shared about his life, his affection for his boss had come across clearly.

"We are assembling the children in the play room ready for your show Patrick. Who are you being this year"

Lisbon raises her eyes questioningly

"You dress up every year Jane?"

"Well yes, since I usually perform solo I need to be my own distraction and it usually helps to get the kids on my side immediately."

Lisbon turns to Jenny

"I hope you have photos."

Jenny laughs

"I do but looking at Patrick's face I think they will make excellent leverage, should I have a need in the future."

An assistant looks in

"Jenny I can't get Holly to leave her room"

"Okay I'll see if I can talk her into it.

She turns her attention back to Jane and Lisbon

"Holly came in last night, her parents were killed in a car accident yesterday morning. Social Services couldn't find anyone else to take her."

The atmosphere changes dramatically, Lisbon speaks

"Do you mind if I have a talk to her"

Jenny looks at her in surprise.

"My-er-My mother was killed in a car accident"

Jenny nods in understanding

"Sure, you might be able to help"

Jane reaches out and touches Lisbon's arm

"Would you like me to come?"

"No I think it will be best on my own"

Jane gives her an encouraging smile and Jenny stands up from the table

"I will show you to her room"

Jenny and Lisbon leave with Jane looking thoughtfully after them.