Crimson High – The Jane Story
A/N: Thank you all for reading and reviewing this story. I am so glad you are enjoying it. As sad as I am to leave it, I feel happy that I was able to bring enjoyment to you all with it. Please enjoy this last chapter.
Chapter eleven
Teresa and I flew back to California the following week. We had managed to sort out things in Chicago quite quickly, and so we headed home to wait for her brothers. They would be flying back the next week. Teresa had been on the phone with Grace, explaining the situation to her. We had landed at the airport, and headed out to where Grace and Rigsby were waiting for us. Grace gave Teresa a hug, and Rigsby held out his hand to me. I took it and shook it, and I could see the respect in his face. He knew the story, and I could see that he now accepted me as a part of them. The four of us headed out to where Cho was waiting for us at the car. He shook my hand too, and I could see the respect in his eyes too. We drove back to my house, engaging in casual conversation along the way. As we rounded to last corner, a familiar figure was waiting for us in front of my house. We pulled to a stop, and we could all see that it was Lorelei. Teresa turned to me. "Grace and I can handle this."
I nodded and watched them get out of the car. Rigsby and Cho turned to me. "Thank you, Patrick," said Rigsby.
Cho nodded. "Grace told us what had happened. We were unsure of you in the beginning."
I smiled sheepishly. "Teresa saved my life. And I am happy to finally have your approval. She is special to me."
Cho cracked a rare smile as we all climbed out of the car. Teresa and Grace had chased Lorelei away. Rigsby grabbed Teresa's bag from the trunk and carried it for her as we all headed up to the front door. I pushed it open and my mother appeared from the next room. "Teresa," she said, nodding her greetings to the rest of us. "It's lovely to see you again."
"And you too, Mrs Jane," Teresa replied sheepishly.
"Please, Teresa, call me Charlotte," replied my mother. She turned to the other three. "That goes for all of you. You are all welcome here any time."
The rest of the group smiled and nodded. It was good to be back where we belonged; home.
Three months later…
I met up with Teresa at the front door to the school. There was a large group of students gathered there. I suspected why they were there, but I still wanted to ask. "What's going on?"
The two of us pushed to almost at the front and watched as Red John was being arrested. I had been the one to phone the police and report his behaviour, and now he was being put into handcuffs and led away from his room. We all parted as the police officer led him towards the door. "Thomas McAllister, you're under arrest for illegally distributing classified information to school students. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, and to have your attorney present during questioning…"
Red John was pushed into a squad car and driven away. I put my arm around Teresa's waist and we walked out into the parking lot. "So, Teresa," I said. "What shall we do today?"
I pressed my lips lightly to her cheek. "I'm working this afternoon, but I'll be over at your house for dinner tonight."
I pulled her into my arms and pressed my lips to hers. People milling about were watching us, but I didn't care. I felt her run her fingers through my hair, but then she broke away rather abruptly. I saw why. James had appeared and was waiting to go home. "You ready to go?" asked James.
I nodded, and Teresa followed us as we headed over to my car. She ruffled James' hair. "See you later. I'm working today."
James nodded as the two of us got into the car. The trip home was filled with meaningless chatter about the day. He headed inside to start his homework, and I followed behind. Teresa was often over at our house, and she loved being with her brothers. I heard her car pull up outside, and went out to greet her. I pulled her into a hug, and she pressed her lips to mine. She held them there for a long moment before pulling away. I looked down into her eyes and smiled. "I love you, Teresa."
"I love you too, Patrick,' she replied.
The two of us headed up into the house, and Tommy dragged Teresa off to see her school project. I remembered that terrified girl I had seen on her first day. She had been scared and closed off to the world. Now, she was happy. She looked happier than she had been, quite possibly for years. She looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back, finally happy.
Fin
A/N2: Thank you all for following me through this story. Please review and tell me what you thought of the idea and how I presented it. I really appreciate your input. Thanks. Until next time,
S.