Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the Mentalist and make no money from fanfiction.

With thanks to Sue Shay and Cumberland River Relic for their friendship and support. Check out their latest stories: Sue's "Mentalist 2.0 drabble collection" and CRR's heartwarming vignette, "Blue Turtle". Particular thanks to CRR for critiquing this chapter and for his useful comments.

18th May, 2014

Dear Diary,

I had an interview today in Cannon River. I'm actually staying at a small hotel in the next town. You know, I was impressed. When they invited me up here, they insisted on providing me with accommodation for the night before our meeting and for tonight. Said that it was the least that they could do. And I also liked that they picked a place outside of the police department jurisdiction. They were careful not to exert undue influence or bias.

I could get used to this. I've always lived in the city, you know. Sacramento was quiet compared with San Francisco and Chicago. But Cannon River, it's tiny. Around 1,560 inhabitants they reckon. One school, one post office and one police station.

But here's what I like about it. It's so friendly. There's a real sense of community. People want to stop and talk with you. They want to tell you about their lives and ask about yours. I dropped by the local café first thing, to fortify myself with coffee before the interview, and I just got talking. Firstly it was the café owner, Jill Smith, and then her brother, Keith, one of the regulars, joined in. Before I knew it, I was sitting with them both having breakfast.

Could you imagine something like that happening in the city? Well, maybe if Jane was around. He could stir up any crowd. But otherwise…? No chance. Even without taking into account the gun and badge.

And that was another thing. It was OK to be in law enforcement. I didn't feel shunned, or an object of suspicion. Instead I felt… respected… like I haven't in a very long time.

The interview went well. It was really just a chance to meet with various people and talk some more. When I asked about crime in the region, it was all I could do not to laugh out loud when I heard the outrage and indignation about a series of local car thefts. If that's the worst that can happen….

And the people who I'd be working with. They were nice too. Two rookie officers, both locals, who've graduated from the Academy in the last two years. Henry and Alex. And then, one more experienced cop, Andrew, who moved to Cannon River when his wife's parents became ill and needed their support. He reminds me a little of Rigsby. Loyal, dependable and caring. But nobody's fool. He's settled for a quiet life, making a real difference in a small community, whilst being able to spend time with his family. They come first. No two ways about that.

If you'd have told me five years ago that I'd be considering a place like Cannon River, I would not have believed you. I'd have searched you for crack or LSD. That notion was just ridiculous.

But, for all it's a slumberous back water, I'm drawn to Cannon River. I need to feel part of something again, and to be able to lead. And there's a lot that I could do to modernise that police department and train up the more junior members of staff. And, more than anything, there's no Blake Association. It simply couldn't survive in a place like Cannon River. I could trust the people around me. And I can't tell you how refreshing that idea is.

Hey. You know, I'm excited. And a little hopeful. For the first time since the Red John hunt reached its final deadly stages.

One thing that I will never do again is live for my work, and my work alone. I remember Jane perching on the edge of my desk one evening telling me that I would regret the years spent as a slave to paperwork. And he was right. All it left me with was a profound sense of emptiness and having been used up and thrown away.

Cannon River is a beautiful little place. All weathered wooden buildings along the Main Street, with their picture windows jammed with anything from walking boots and fishing tackle to hunks of meat and baked goods. The settlement is just off the main tourist route but attracts its share of backpackers and trail explorers in the summer. Within a few miles, you can find pine forests and secluded lakes, with the snow clad Mt Ranier in the background. Apparently it's a great area to bike and hike.

But what really excited me about the place was the history. It was founded in the 1890's as a mining outpost. I went round the small museum whilst I was there. It's amazing what they have. From mineral samples to old jewellery and clothes, to black and white photographs from the early decades of the twentieth century. The place looks a lot like it did even eighty years ago.

Well I don't know whether anything will come of this or not, but I sure hope so.

Anyway, that was my day today, diary. Now it's time for bed.