Simple Diversions

A/N: So... Probably THE fastest update, but I just sat down in front of my laptop and my fingers started going! So here it is! Chapter 33 :)

Disclaimer: I don't own the Mentalist or any of the characters or ideas.

Chapter 33

The bullpen buzzed busily as everyone tried to find Red John and Mia. Daniel and his team had arrived and paired off with their counterparts on Lisbon's team. Daniel, however, was trying to hold himself back from punching Jane in the nose. For some odd reason he blamed Jane for the fact that Mia was kidnapped by Red John.

Just then Lisbon walked in after speaking to the Forensic Department on the phone.

"Good news," Lisbon announced loudly. "Forensics has confirmed that the smiley was paint, not blood."

Everyone breathed a small sigh of relief before continuing their busy tapping at the keyboards.

Jane was simply staring blankly into the distance and Lisbon felt an overwhelming amount of concern for the blonde man.

"Jane?" Lisbon said softly, awaking Jane from his daze. "We are going to find her."

"I know…" Jane replied softly, although it wasn't that convincing.

"Maybe you should go home and we'll call you when we get something?" Lisbon suggested.

"I can't," Jane replied simply. "It's a crime scene."

Lisbon was a little confused before she put two and two together… He obviously meant Mia's place.

Lisbon heaved a sigh as she sat down next to Jane on his old leather couch.

"How long have you two been dating?" Lisbon asked.

"I don't know," Jane replied honestly. "It all happened so fast."

"Well, how far along is Mia?" Lisbon asked as she tried to read Jane's face.

"Almost four months," Jane replied with a watery smile. "We were joking and saying that the baby was going to have super curly hair and be an amazing mind reader."

Jane started crying again and Lisbon reached her hand out and rubbed it along his back.

"I'm sure it will be a beautiful baby," Lisbon said with a smile as she tried to comfort Jane. "How about some tea?"

"Thank you Lisbon," Jane replied before Lisbon stood to go and make some tea for the sad man.

Daniel followed behind Lisbon into the kitchenette.

"It's his fault you know," Daniel said as he leaned against the counter and faced Lisbon with an angry glare. "If he had just stayed away from Mia then none of this would have happened."

Lisbon sighed as she knew what was coming up next… a boring speech about how irresponsible Jane was and how he always ruined everything.

"Look," Lisbon said as she turned to Daniel. "It's not Jane's fault. Red John could've taken Mia just because she had worked with Jane a couple of times."

"Yeah, but because of him two lives are at stake instead of one." Daniel replied.

"I know you're upset, but maybe you should see things from Jane's point of view." Lisbon replied angrily. "He's already lost one woman he loved and a daughter. This is like déjà vu for him. Just try and be a little more sympathetic."

"I am, but I'm a little more concerned about Mia's wellbeing than Patrick Jane's." Daniel replied simply.

"I understand, but all I'm asking is for you to spend less time being angry and more time actually helping to find Mia." Lisbon said as she poured Jane's tea for him.

Daniel simply huffed and went off to see where his team had gotten.

Lisbon had a small smile on her face as she gave Jane his tea and waited anxiously for his thoughts on her tea brewing skills.

"Thank you Lisbon," Jane said after he had taken a sip. "It's just right."

"You're welcome." Lisbon said before joining her team in the huddle of trying to find any info.

Jane swallowed back a few tears before putting his tea cup down and leaning his head against the back of the couch.

Suddenly, Jane's phone started vibrating in his pocket. Jane opened his phone with a puzzled look and saw that he had received a text message.

Are you alone?

The text message read and Jane hastily took a look around before leaving the bullpen and locking himself inside one of the interrogation rooms.

Yes

Jane replied and a few seconds later his phone started ringing.

"Hello Patrick," Came the bone chilling voice of the serial killer who had been haunting Jane for years.

"Just let her go," Jane said angrily. "Let Mia go."

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Red John replied. "But I can tell you that she really is a beauty."

"I'm warning you, I will find you and cut you up," Jane spat into the phone as he saw red. "I've had enough of you and your games. This had to end."

"Alrighty then," Red John replied. "Meet me in half an hour at the address that I will send to your phone and we can have our showdown."

"On one condition," Jane replied nervously. "You let Mia go."

"Fine, but you also have a condition," Red John said sinisterly. "No help from any of your friends… and no other cops either."

"Deal." Jane replied as he took a deep breath.

"See you soon Patrick," Red John replied creepily before hanging up the phone.

Jane received the text with the meeting place address as he walked back to the bullpen and collected his belongings.

"Jane?" Lisbon said as she watched Jane with confusion. "What are you doing?"

"I can't talk now, I have to go." Jane replied simply before making his way towards the elevator.

Lisbon followed him to the elevator, intent on questioning him.

"Jane, did Red John contact you?" Lisbon asked carefully.

"No," Jane replied without glancing in Lisbon's direction. "I just need to think."

"Please Jane," Lisbon said sadly as the elevator dinged. "Let us help you."

Jane climbed into the elevator.

"Let me help you." Lisbon said softly.

Jane heaved a sigh as he stopped the elevator doors from closing and stepped out of the ancient contraption.

"Red John doesn't want any cops." Jane said simply.

"We'll keep our distance." Lisbon replied.

Jane chuckled as he shook his head.

"You don't understand," Jane said. "This is Red John we're dealing with. He will kill Mia without any hesitation."

"We will be careful," Lisbon retaliated. "I swear. We just want to help Jane."

They stood a while in silence and Jane ran his fingers through his curly hair.

"Fine," Jane said softly. "But you have to promise to listen to me and do what I say."

"We will." Lisbon replied with a small smile. "I promise."

"Let's go then." Jane said before leading the way back to the bullpen.

xxxxx

"Alright, do we all know the plan?" Lisbon said as they all huddled around the metal table near the flat screen TV in the bullpen.

"Everyone will keep to their slice of the perimeter and move in on Jane's word." Cho said as he looked around at all of the people.

"My team and I will stick to the rooftops and provide aerial support." Daniel said as he looked to each of his team in turn.

"Good, let's get going." Lisbon said and they all made their way to the garage area.

Jane's hands started shaking as he climbed into his Citroen all alone.

This was it… The final showdown…

No pressure of course.

You can do this Patrick, Jane thought to himself as he started the car. For Mia and the baby.

Short... but at least you got an update! :) Please review!