Author's notes: Thank you so much for all your support for this story. Things are becoming tense (again) I hope you enjoy this chapter.
"Hi Agent Lisbon, we have a possible situation here. Patrick step away from her now."
Lisbon looks at Broadman and then at Jane confused, which deepens as she feels and hears the click of handcuffs on her right wrist. She turns to Jane.
"What are you doing?"
"Just making sure you're not alone."
Lisbon lifts up her handcuffed wrist and finds it's attached to Jane. Confusion turns into irritation
"Jane, what are you playing at? Take this thing off me now."
"All in a good cause Lisbon."
Broadman steps forward removing his handcuff key from his jacket pocket.
"This is ridiculous Patrick, all our keys fit the handcuffs."
Jane holds his hand up offering Broadman the lock. Grace looks on and can't hold back a small smile, as she knows that Jane will not be thwarted that easily. Broadman tries his key but it won't go into the lock. Lisbon is getting angry.
"Jane what have you done? What's going on here?"
Jane looks at Broadman.
"Let me just have some time alone with her?"
"Jane, what..."
Broadman lets out a sigh and nods his head. Jane drags Lisbon into her office. He closes the door behind him and takes hold of one hand and places a hand gently over her lips to quiet her protestations. Lisbon pulls it away.
"Jane tell me what's going on right now, have you lost your mind?"
"Just be calm Lisbon. I'm going to say something to you and it's important you stay calm."
"I was calm until you put these things on us."
Jane makes eye contact with her and stares intently.
"Trust me Lisbon, I'm trying to help you."
"Jane how can I trust you when you've handcuffed us together."
"Lisbon look at me."
She does.
"Now take nice steady breaths and concentrate on them while I speak to you."
Lisbon tells herself that she gives in because she realises it's the only way Jane's going to tell her what's going on, he's stubborn as a mule. It's not because the intensity of his gaze gives her an almost uncontrollable urge to do as he says.
"That's good. Now remember concentrate on your breathing while I'm speaking."
Lisbon nods her head.
"We think the kidnappers have planted a bomb on you."
"That's crazy Jane. I would know if there was a bomb strapped to me."
Jane is shaking his head while he speaks.
" Keep concentrating on your breaths. If it's small enough you won't know. Have you noticed anything unusual?"
"No. this is crazy, even for you Ja.."
"Aha, you just thought of something."
"My watch! My watch isn't working and I only had it repaired at the weekend. At that jewellery shop you robbed."
"I didn't actually rob the place, but I'll let it pass as I know you're under stress. Now remember your breaths, in...out...in...out."
Jane takes deep breaths along with her, placing his hand on his chest to focus her mind..
"When did your watch stop working?"
"About an hour after I was taken. I realised it's too dark outside and must be later."
"Just keep calm, Broadman will get you out of the situation. The buildings been cleared, there's just us here."
They turn as the door opens and Broadman and Grace enter.
"It's her watch, it stopped not long after they took her."
Broadman indicates towards Lisbon's left wrist.
"Let me take a look."
Lisbon nods her agreement and holds up her wrist. She looks at Jane, who smiles reassuringly at her.
"Just keep breathing everything will be fine."
Jane looks to Broadman.
"Take it off her and let's get her out of here."
Broadman is closely inspecting the watch.
"It's not that simple Patrick when it comes to explosives. We can never make assumptions, we have to be as certain as we can before we make a move. Removing the watch could be the trigger and the worst thing we can do."
"You can't just leave it on her."
"We're not going to. But we have make sure of her safety first."
Jane notices a slight tremble in Lisbon's hand. He reaches out for the nearest chair at the table in her room and pulls it towards him and offers it to Lisbon.
"Here sit down Lisbon, before you fall down."
Lisbon starts to protest, and Broadman backs him up.
"It's a good idea Agent. Sit down and be comfortable."
Jane beams at her.
"See"
Lisbon sits down, Grace brings over the second chair and places it near Jane.
"Well thank you Grace, that's very kind of you."
Jane sits down as well and leans towards Lisbon. Broadman gently places her hand in her lap.
"The fastening's been tampered with. We will x-ray it and see what they've done and how we can remove it."
Every movement that the bomb disposal officers make are slow and deliberate. Jane can feel Lisbon's tension rising with each second. He tries to distract her.
"Hey I got to drive back here with sirens and lights going. It was very exciting and exhilarating. I was thinking I might have some attached to my car."
Lisbon recognises what he's doing and is willing to give it a try.
"Really, on that piece of junk."
The accompanying smile not quite making it to her eyes.
"Must you always hurt my feelings, it's a classic, but maybe it won't appreciate the additions. Which is a shame, I was very good. Wasn't I Grace."
"Sure Jane."
Lisbon, doesn't miss the inflection though, so neither does Jane.
"You got here in one piece, which is more than any of you could have done after the accident."
Lisbon's head snaps round.
"Accident! What accident."
Jane waves his hand dismissively.
"Meh, it was nothing, no-one was seriously hurt, just a little dazed."
For once Grace agrees with Jane.
"It was nothing boss."
Broadman interrupts, and all thought of the car are chased away.
"It is a bomb, a relatively small one which will kill or injure anyone within five feet of it. There's also a remote timing mechanism which will be triggered should we remove the watch."
"Are you suggesting there's most likely another bomb somewhere?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying Patrick and my guess is we don't have much time."
Lisbon has one thought on her mind.
"You need to get out of here Jane, you and Grace."
Jane holds up his attached hand.
"A little impossible at the moment."
"You have the key Jane, you can get it unlocked."
"I can't, I jammed the lock, a saw,s needed."