Chapter 2
"Lisbon, I realize this may not be the best thing for the team, but it's the best thing for you right now. You have been in three hostage situations in the past two months, all from people with revenge on their minds. Though this may be the safest place for you, we can't keep your life at stake when people know where you are. So that why I'm sending you away for two weeks." Lisbon opened her mouth to protest, but quickly shut it with a withering stare from Minelli. "You are to have no contact with the CBI or any of the agents. If I find out you've been in contact with any of them, I will increase your 'time off'. Is this all clear, Agent Lisbon?"
"Yes, sir." Lisbon slowly got out of the chair and went back to the bullpen to inform the team of the new arrangements.
Everyone was in their usual spots. Jane in his leather couch pretending to be asleep; Van Pelt in front of her computer screen; Cho reading a new novel; and Rigsby chowing down on a slice of cold pizza from the fridge. Seeing the casualness of her team makes her smirk, but she quickly gets rid of it as she prepares for the task at hand.
"Alright, I have some news, so you all have to pay attention. Especially you, Jane." She watches a grin grow on his face as he opens his eyes, sits up, and leans forward, placing his elbows on his knees. "Thank you. I know this is going to be somewhat of a surprise, but unfortunately, Minelli has ordered me to take a two weeks break from work, starting tomorrow. I'm not allowed to have any contact with the CBI or it's agents. A replacement will start tomorrow, so if you need me for anything, ask me now or save it until I come back."
"Who will your replacement be, Boss?" Rigsby asked. He miraculously put his pizza down, his full attention on Lisbon now.
"Her name is Susan Mitchell. She is younger than me, but has been here just as long as me, so she knows the rules. Jane? This means she will not be so nice about your tricks and mind games, so take it easy on her. Please." Lisbon knew she could give this as a command, but she secretly wanted to hear how this woman deals with Jane.
"I can't make any promises, my dear Lisbon, but I will try," Jane replied with mock sincerity on his face.
"I guess that's all I can ask for. Does anyone need anything before I leave?" Nobody spoke up, so Lisbon nodded and went into her office to pack up her things that she didn't want her replacement seeing. In the middle of her packing, a small knock came at her door. She didn't even have to guess who it was. "Come in, Jane."
"Can you teach me that trick? It's like you're psychic or something." She gave him a serious glare, but it was ruined with a smirk. She was glad she had a chance to speak with Jane alone before she left. He held up his hands in mock defense from her glare. "No. Seriously, I came to see how you're doing. Are you okay?"
"I'm as okay as I'll ever be. Thank you again, Jane, for finding me. You saved my life and I'm eternally grateful for it."
She walked towards the blonde, arms stretched out for a hug. His hands flew up again in protection. "No need to get sappy now. You would've done the same for me. No need for a hug." Lisbon stepped back slightly, disappointment clouding her face. Considering her for a moment, Jane smiled. "I'm just kidding. Get over here." She smiled as they embraced each other.
It was in that moment that she realized she was going to actually miss Patrick Jane.
"Okay guys," Lisbon started at the end of the day. "Stay out of trouble *cough*Jane*cough* and the rest of you make sure he doesn't torture the replacement." Walking up to them, Lisbon shook hands with Rigsby and Cho, receiving "bye, Boss" and "see you when you get back." She moved on to Van Pelt and gave her a "good luck with them" with a smile and Van Pelt returned the smile and wished her well. Finally she came to Jane, who pulled her into a hug and gave her a lingering kiss on the cheek. She blushed and he chuckled, looking down at her reddened face.
Realizing he did that for the reaction alone, she scowled at him. Jane simply shrugged saying, "couldn't resist." She shook her head and headed to the elevators, Jane following behind. "Have fun and relax. I'll see you when you get back, but I'll no doubt talk to you before then." Lisbon stepped into the elevator.
"Bye, Jane."
"Bye, Teresa." He turned and left before seeing her shocked expression, which quickly changed to embarrassment as the door cut off her view of his disappearing figure.
Getting into her car, she took one last look up at the team's floor and wasn't surprised to see Jane watching her in the window. Starting up the car, she whispered, "Bye, Patrick," and drove away.
Author's Note: What do you think? Yay or nay? Thanks for reading!
hol
