"Why don't you talk to Cho and Wylie and see what they've come up with," Teresa told him. "In the meantime I'll get that artist to come up. It's still worth a shot." She went to turn towards the door when Patrick grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"Thank you", he told her gratefully. "I can always count on you."
"Of course you can", she smiled. "That's why we're such good partners."
"Yes, we are." He smiled and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. He watched as she left the room and then took another breath. He still felt unsettled and not sure what this all meant, but Teresa had been right. He needed to use the gifts he knew he had and that he understood. Anything else he was going to put away in the back of his mind until this was finished.
"No one saw anything", Cho told him a while later. "We canvassed the neighborhood but most people were at work. One lady thought she might have seen a car drive down the alley behind the Cargill's house, but she couldn't describe it other than to say it was a dark color. CSU is still processing the scene but so far have nothing except they found the lock broken on the gate."
"Pried off with a screw driver", Jane nodded.
"Probably", Cho frowned. "How did you know?"
"Hmm? Oh – just a guess."
Cho gazed at him and then finally shrugged. He was too used to Jane coming up with things randomly that usually turned out to be correct to give it too much thought. "Yeah – other than that there was evidence of footprints but not enough to get an impression. So far we have nothing."
"Wylie?" Jane turned to the young technician. "You find anything with all that -" he waved his arms towards the computer, "stuff?"
"Uh – no, not really. I'm checking to see if there are any cameras in the area but it's unlikely. It was a residential neighborhood."
"And the father?" Jane asked.
"He's an accountant", Cho told him. "Most of his clients are small businesses."
"An accountant?" Jane's mind flashed back to the man he'd seen in his vision. He'd been dressed in a suit and had the look of middle management. "This has something to do with the father's job", he suddenly announced.
"Really? How do you know that?" Cho asked, not sounding surprised, or doubtful.
"Wait here, I need to talk to him", he said, not answering Cho's question. He turned quickly and headed back to the room where Abbott still sat with the Cargill's.
Jane hit the door hard, knocking it open, and entered quickly. "Who are your clients?" he asked abruptly.
"What?" Brent Cargill looked at him, a confused expression on his face.
"Your clients", Jane said, sounding impatient, "who are your clients?"
"At work?"
"Where else?" he rolled his eyes and leaned forward on the table. "Yes. Who are your clients at work?"
Brent frowned. "Uh – I have quite a few. Most of them are small business owners – local people. I specialize in that. Did you need a list?"
"Yes. But for now, do you have any big clients? Anyone new?"
"No, not really – I mean, I have a couple of bigger clients. No one that's really new though."
"Who are they?" Jane asked.
"Uh – Jason Merrick. He owns the Fresh Market chain of supermarkets. And then there's Stephanie Farrington – she's the CEO of Farrington Holdings. It's a family company and she just took over from her uncle."
"Rich?"
"Very. Family money. The Farringtons own half of Texas, although they keep it pretty quiet. Other than those two I don't have any really big clients."
"How long have Merrick and Farrington been with you?" Jane asked.
"Uh – Jason has been with me for about eight years. He and I went to college together – we were roommates. When he started to grow his business he came to me because he said he could trust me. I think he also wanted to give me the business to help me out – as a friend you know."
"And Farrington?"
"Well, I guess she is a relatively new client. She's only been with me for about six months. She said she wanted a new accountant – someone different than her uncle had used. I remember thinking it was strange that she would come to someone like me but I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. I don't do all their accounting – just her private accounts."
"I see." Patrick considered this for a moment. "You see anything unusual?"
"In their accounts you mean? No – nothing."
Jane nodded. "Thank you." He turned to head towards the door.
"Please", Marissa suddenly begged. "Find him. I don't know what I'll do if something happens to him.
"Yes please", her husband repeated, looking at him with both fear and hope. "You have to find him. We can't lose him."
Jane nodded but didn't say anymore, he simply turned and left the room.
"He's a strange man", Brent said to Abbott. "Can he really help us?"
"If anyone can it's Patrick Jane." Abbott gave his signature half-smile. "Don't let his manner fool you. He cares deeply, especially when it concerns children and he'll do everything he can to find Liam."
"Does he have any children himself?" Marissa asked softly.
"He did", Abbott said gently. "His daughter was killed. It's why he cares so much and why he's the best person to help you."
"Jane – here's the police artist." Teresa was standing beside a young woman carrying a sketchpad and pencils. "Why don't you go in there", she nodded towards the interrogation room she and Jane had used.
Patrick followed the artist in, although he hated to spend precious time on this. Still, he knew it could help. He just wished he could have some time to figure out what this was about. Somehow it was sure it had to do with Stephanie Farrington.
"Lisbon? Can you ask Cho to get Cargill's books for both the Farrington and Merrick accounts?"
"Okay", she frowned. "You think they're related to the kidnapping?"
"I don't know. Maybe. Oh, and have Wylie run through the list of his other clients as well."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
For the next few minutes Jane gave a description of the man who'd taken Liam Cargill. It didn't take long because Jane's memory was such that he was able to give an accurate and detailed description. As soon as he was done he stood up and headed for the door. "Thanks. Can I take that?" He reached over and practically snatched if from the artist's hands.
"Is that it?" Teresa met him as he exited the room. She glanced down at the picture. "He looks innocuous."
"Mmm. Like an accountant maybe?"
She frowned but nodded. "You taking this to show the parents?"
"Yes. Come with me?"
A few seconds later Jane was back with the Cargills, followed closely by Teresa. "This is Teresa Lisbon", he introduced her quickly. "She's my partner. Uh – do you recognize this man?" He handed over the drawing.
The Cargill's both looked at it. Brent Cargill raised his head, a confused frown on his face. "No. Who is it?"
"We think this may be the man who took your son," Jane told them gently.
"But why?" Cargill asked, sounding bewildered. "Who is he?"
"You're sure you don't know him? Look again. I'd say he looks kind of like a manager or accountant."
"We don't know anything," Brent cried. His wife sobbed and leaned into him, looking as if she were ready to pass out. "Don't you think we would have told you if we knew something? It's our son for god's sake."
Dennis stood up at that moment. "Mr. Jane is just trying to help," he said, although he glared briefly at Jane. "I'll get my people on it immediately and find out who this is. Jane, Teresa, you're with me." He faced the Cargill's – I'll be back in a moment so just sit tight." Abbott exited the room, followed by his agent and consultant.
"Any leads at all as to who this might be?" he nodded towards the artist's sketch.
"No", Jane shook his head. "I'm going to see Stephanie Farrington", he announced abruptly. "I'll take Cho."
"I can go with you Jane", Teresa announced. "I'm not doing anything right now." She didn't want to let on, but she was worried about Patrick and what this 'gift' was doing to him.
Jane frowned. "You should stay here Teresa. Cho can go with me."
"I'm pregnant Jane, not sick – and all we're going to do is talk to this woman. I think I can handle that."
"But you never know what could happen", he told her.
"Take Teresa with you Jane", Abbott said with a sigh. "I'm sure she'll be safe and Cho can stay here and check into any other leads."
With a small scowl Patrick finally nodded. "Okay, come on. Just -" he waved his hand around and then shrugged and headed towards the elevator, pausing briefly when he realized he was going too fast. Teresa was travelling slower than normal.
Abbott watched as the couple left, hoping Jane would again prove his worth and find the kidnapper. There was something bothering his consultant though – he just wished he knew what it was. He was glad that Teresa was with him.
"You're not mad at me, are you?" Teresa asked after they'd been driving for a few minutes. So far Jane hadn't said a word to her.
"Huh?" He glanced at her, looking almost startled to see her there.
"I just wondered if you were mad at me", she repeated calmly.
"Mad at you? Why would I be mad?"
"For coming with you", she told him.
He gave a small smile and reached out with his hand to take hers. "I always want you with me", he told her. "Just be good."
"Be good?" she asked with a grin. "You're telling me to be good?"
"Yeah," he smiled, acknowledging the sarcasm in her words. "Just don't go throwing yourself at some criminal. You have junior to think about."
"Don't worry Jane. I wouldn't do anything to harm the baby."
"Or yourself", he said quickly.
They arrived a few minutes later at Stephanie Farrington's home. They were shown in by Stephanie's assistant, and waited in a small sunroom until she arrived.
"My assistant tells me you're from the FBI?" she asked as she entered. "What is this about?"
Stephanie was a woman in her early thirties. She was tall, blond and knew herself to be both beautiful and powerful – and used both at will. That she was rich wasn't something she even thought about. She had grown up with a silver spoon and it was simply part of who she was.
"Ms. Farrington", Teresa said respectfully. "You may not have heard, but Liam Cargill, the son of Brent Cargill, was kidnapped earlier today. We're just following up with some of Brent's clients, to see if they might have seen or heard something that would help us."
"I didn't even know he had a son", Stephanie said. As she was speaking she indicated that her guests could sit, and she soon followed. "How old is he?"
"Six", Teresa told her. "You've never met the little boy?"
"No. As I said I didn't even know Brent had a son. He never spoke of him."
"Really? What about pictures in his office, things like that?"
"I've never been to his office," she answered with raised brows. "Why would I go there? Anytime I need him he comes here, to my house."
"Why do you use him as your accountant?" Jane asked suddenly, speaking for the first time since they'd arrived.
"Who are you and why is it any of your business?" Stephanie asked, looking haughty and bored.
"My name is Patrick" Patrick smiled, his sweetest smile. "And I'd like to know why you use someone like Brent Cargill as your accountant? He's small – works mostly with small businesses. Are you sleeping with him?"
She laughed. "My, you do get to the point, don't you?"
Teresa closed her eyes. Yup – Jane was definitely in fine form today. "I'm sorry Ms Farrington. My partner is feeling some urgency since this is a little boy we're talking about. If you could just answer his questions?"
"Fine", the wealthy socialite sighed. She glanced down at her perfectly manicured fingernails. "No, we weren't sleeping together. He was irritatingly faithful to that wife of his, although I could never figure out why. She's such a whining, clinging little thing," she shuddered. "I never would have moved my accounts there if I'd known that he was so devoted to her."
"So you used his services to try and get him to sleep with you?" Jane asked in his usual pleasant but blunt way.
Stephanie sighed and gave Jane an impenetrable look. When he simply continued to look at her with an agreeable smile she moved restlessly. "Yes", she finally said, bluntly. "I met him thought a mutual acquaintance and thought he was cute. He seemed to be interested so", she shrugged. "Normally I would never use someone like him for my business." She sighed again. "Such a disappointment."
Patrick stood. "Thank you Stephanie. You've been very helpful. Let's go Lisbon."
"What?" she looked at him with an irritated frown. "I have some more questions to ask Ms Farrington, Jane."
He smiled and sat down. "She has some more questions", he told Stephanie. "Do you have any tea?"
Later, after Lisbon had managed to get into the car – with Jane's help and with much groaning and cursing – she turned and glared at him. "Why do you always do that?"
He turned to her in surprise. "Do what?"
"Just assume that when you're done, then everyone else should be as well," she groused. She was uncomfortable, had to pee and was tired. "You never bother to ask me if I might have something else to ask the suspect."
He dropped his hand from the ignition and turned to face her slightly, a frown on his face. "I'm sorry Teresa. I don't mean to assume. But she wasn't going to say anything more", he told her. "And you're uncomfortable, you need to find a bathroom and you shouldn't be running around questioning suspects."
"Jane, I'm not uncomfortable." At his look she shifted nervously. "Okay, so maybe I am, but I'm also perfectly capable of knowing when I'm up to handling something or not. I'm pregnant, not sick, and perfectly able to ask a few questions."
"I know you are", he grinned and started the car. "So that begs the question of why you're here. You know very well that you're not up to this right now. Your bladder just can't last that long."
She glared for a moment and then got a sheepish grin. "Yeah – and if you could find a place to stop really soon I'd appreciate it."
After he'd pulled into a gas station and she'd used the rest room, she came out and sat in the car. "Well? We gonna move?"
"I'm okay Teresa", he told her seriously.
She frowned. "What?"
He sighed. "The reason you insisted on coming – you're worried about me. I am fine. You don't need to worry about me."
"Jane, I always worry about you", she told him directly. "But – this time – yes, I am concerned. Look, I know cases with children are always difficult for you and then you've got the added issue of dealing with this whole – psychic thing. I just thought it would be good for me to be with you."
He stared at her for a moment and then reached out and gently touched her cheek. "It is – good for me. You're always good for me Teresa." He turned forward, put the key in the ignition and started the car and in a moment was back on the highway. "But you still should be back in the office or at home."
She shook her head and leaned back. "Mmm hmm," she finally agreed. "Only if you're with me."
He smiled and continued to drive.
They arrived back at the FBI building a few minutes later and Jane insisted that Teresa go back to her desk. "I'm just going to check with Cho", he told her, "to see if he has any leads." He glanced around quickly and then leaned forward and gave her a swift kiss. "Don't worry – there's no one around."
She glared at him but then smiled. "Fine," she huffed. "Just be good."
He opened his mouth but stopped at her look. "I'll try", he told her finally.
There was something bothering Jane. Something about the conversation with Stephanie Farrington was bothering him. Leaving Lisbon at her desk he made his way to the interrogation room and walked right in.
"Mr. Jane! Did you find something?" Marissa Cargill asked hopefully. Her face was puffy from tears and she looked less than attractive at that moment.
Brent Cargill, on the other hand, looked worried but still handsome and refined. He was also looking at Jane with curiosity. "Did you find something?"
"No", he answered baldly. "But I have a few more questions, if that's okay?"
"Uh, certainly", Brent frowned. "What is it?"
"Tell me more about Jason Merrick."
"Jason?" Brent asked in surprise. "Why do you need to know about him? There's no way he could be involved. He's a friend."
"We should call them", Marissa added with a sniff.
"Them?" Patrick looked back and forth between the couple.
"Jason's wife Claire is good friends with Marissa", Brent explained.
"Tell me about Jason and Claire", Patrick invited. He sat down across from the Cargills, watching them closely.
"I told you – Jason and I went to college together", Brent said sounding irritated. "We've known one another for years. He owns a supermarket chain."
"Did he inherit it or build it up on his own?" Jane asked.
"Uh – both I guess. His father had a couple of stores – they weren't rich when I first knew him. But Jason took over and soon grew the business until now it's doing really well."
"And now he is rich?"
"Mmm hmm", Brent nodded.
"Tell me about his wife."
The other man frowned and shifted in his seat. "What's there to say? She and Jason have been married for five years."
"Any kids?"
"Uh – no." Brent responded.
"Claire said she's not ready for kids yet", Marissa said. She laughed slightly. "I think she enjoys being able to do what she wants without the responsibility."
Patrick nodded. "Is she attractive?"
"What?" Brent shifted again. "I don't know. I guess", he shrugged. "I don't notice other men's wives like that."
Marissa sniffed again. "She's gorgeous. I always feel kind of dowdy around her. You know the type – she looks like she spends hours getting ready every day. I know she goes to the spa every week to get her nails done and to get facials and everything. How I wish I had that kind of money."
Patrick stood up and smiled at the couple. "Thank you. You've been very helpful."
"Helpful?" Brent started to look angry. "How – by telling you about some of our closest friends? When the hell are you going to start looking for our son?"
Just as Jane reached the door he turned. "Would you like some tea or something? I'll ask Wylie to get you some." With that he was gone.
"Where's Cho?" he asked Teresa, who was sitting at her desk looking decidedly uncomfortable.
"Uh – he was here a minute ago. What were you talking to the Cargills about?"
"Oh, just about manicures and not having children", he smiled. "Ah, there he is. Cho", he called out. "I need you to come with me."
"Where?" the agent asked, moving towards Teresa's desk.
"We're going grocery shopping." He put his hand on Teresa's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "I'll be back soon – don't worry."
She touched his hand quickly and then dropped her own. "I won't. Cho's with you."
"So, where are we going really?" The Korean agent asked with a glance at Jane, who was driving.
"I told you – we're going grocery shopping at Fresh Market." After a quick stop at the supermarket – although it was long enough for Jane to pick up a few apples and grapes – they headed over to the head office. Once there Jane got out of the car, followed closely by Cho, and made his way inside.
"Agent Cho, Mr. Jane", Jason Merrick walked over to them and shook both their hands. "I heard about the Cargills. Is there anything I can do to help? I feel terrible. Jason is a good friend of mine."
"Is he?" Jane asked, his brows raised.
"Yes", Merrick frowned. "Didn't he tell you?"
"Oh yes. I just wanted to confirm that you felt the same way", Jane told him with a small smile.
"Yes, of course I do. We've known one another since college. Now, what can I do?"
"Where's your wife Jason?" Jane asked. Cho was looking at him with his usual resigned look.
"My wife? What does that have to do with the Cargill kidnapping?"
"A lot actually", Patrick smiled at him.
"Just answer the question", Cho instructed.
"She's – I don't know, what day is it?" he glanced at his desk calendar. "Uh, I think she's getting her hair done today. Why?"
"Just wondered", Patrick shrugged. He then stood up and began to wander around the office. Meanwhile Cho began to ask Merrick some questions.
Jason answered, although his eyes followed the strange consultant who seemed to be reading the titles of his books and looking at the odd pieces of artwork scattered around.
"You collect some beautiful things", Patrick said, as he reached out and picked up a small sculpture of a woman.
"Put that down," Jason told him angrily. "That's extremely valuable."
"Oh", Patrick set it down on the shelf. "Sorry." He then continued to wander around the room. At one point his hand reached out towards what looked almost like a Faberge egg, also sitting on a glass shelf. Before he had a chance to touch it Jason had come out from behind his desk and had walked up to him. "Will you sit down", he said, sounding furious. "What the hell do you think you're doing? You can't just go around and touch people's things like that." He twisted around. "Now, unless you have any others questions for me, I have work to do."
Jane shrugged. "I'm all done. Cho?"
"That's all for now Mr. Merrick", Cho answered without inflection. "I'll let you know if we need anything else. Thank you for your time."
Nothing was said until the two men were in the car. Jane looked distracted and it was a few seconds before he realized that Cho was looking at him. "What?"
"What was that about? The stuff about the art?"
"Oh that?" Jane grinned. "Just checking out a theory. Do you have Jason's home address?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go there."
Cho shook his head and gave the directions to Jane. He then sat back, knowing there was no point in trying to get Jane to tell him what was going on. "I'm not going to get shot at, am I?" was all he did ask.
"I hope not", Jane answered, and it wasn't quite what Cho had hoped.
A few minutes later they arrived at the Merrick residence. "Nice", Jane said as they waited at the gate to what was a huge and beautiful mansion. "I should have gone into supermarkets."
"I didn't think you cared about money", Cho told him.
"I don't. Come on, let's see if Mrs. Merrick is home."
Cho almost wanted to whistle. He and Jane watched from the entranceway as Clair made her way down the grand staircase. She was absolutely gorgeous. In fact, thought Cho, she could have been a model.
"She was", Jane said.
"Huh?"
"You were thinking she looks like a model", Jane said softly. "She was. That's how Merrick met her."
"Oh." Leave it to Jane to figure that out – or to have looked it up.
"Mrs. Merrick', Jane walked forward and put out his hand. "Thank you so much for taking the time to see us."
"Oh, it's no problem. Poor Brent! He loves his son and this must be awful for him." There was a slight pause and then Claire seemed to realize something. "Oh – and of course Marissa too. She's such a loving mother. How is she?"
"She's upset", Cho answered. "Can we ask you some questions?"
"Of course. Please, come in here. Shall I ring for coffee?"
"Tea please", Jane smiled.
"Of course." A moment later a servant came and soon Jane had his tea. Claire turned to the two men. "So, what can I help you with?"
"How long have you and Brent Cargill been having an affair?" Jane asked.
Cho always enjoyed these moments. At the beginning even he had found Jane's directness – many would say rudeness – uncomfortable. He'd long gotten over that and relished how he was able to put people on the spot and often make them give themselves away. This time he was enjoying watching Claire turn from a beautiful, put-together woman into a fish – her eyes wide and her mouth hanging open.
"What did you say?" she choked out.
"I was just wondering how long you and Cargill have been sleeping together. Oh, and don't bother to deny it. You'll just look foolish."
Both men could see as Claire tried to decide whether to deny everything – or to admit to the truth. Finally she closed her eyes briefly – and they knew she was going to be honest.
"How did you know?" she asked.
"Oh, Brent is attractive and he's jealous of how well your husband has done. He also resents him for expecting him to work for cheap and getting little out of being a rich man's accountant."
"Yeah", she laughed, "that's Jason. World's biggest cheap skate."
"He decided to get even with Jason by taking something of his – you."
"What?" Claire sat up straight. "He loves me."
"Mmm", Jane thought for a few seconds. "No, he doesn't. He wanted you because he knows that there's nothing Jason hates more than someone touching what belongs to him."
"Oh God – you haven't told Jason have you?" Suddenly Claire was looking frightened.
"No", Jane answered. "But I think he already knows."
"There's no way he could possibly know," she shook her head. "We were too careful."
"First mistake illicit lovers make. You can never be that careful. He knows."
"But - but how? And what does that have to do with the kidnapping?"
Cho was looking at him with as much curiosity as was Claire. Jane didn't want to give everything away quite yet – not until he'd found the boy so he ignored the question.
"Does Jason own a cabin or house or apartment anywhere?"
"A cabin? No. And what does that matter?"
"Hmm – nothing – what about an apartment?"
"Well, he has one in New York that he uses when he goes there on business, but he doesn't own it. It's a lease."
"And nothing else?" Patrick pushed her. "There must be someplace he goes when he wants to get away from here."
"Well – yes – there is, but it's not his place."
"Whose is it?" Jane asked. "Is it close?"
"It's just an hour or so out of town. It belongs to a friend and he sometimes lets Jason use it. The friend travels for work and he's gone right now in Europe."
"Do you ever go?" Jane wanted to know.
"Who me? No – it's just a little cottage and I'm not into that kind of thing. Give me a luxury hotel any day."
"Where is it?"
"The friend's place? Hmm – let me see if I can find the address. I think Jason gave it to me when he went a few months ago." She got up and went upstairs, returning a few minutes later with a piece of paper. "Here", she handed it to Cho. "You were kidding about him knowing, right?" she asked, biting her lip.
"No. He knows all right. We'd better be going." Jane stood up and looked directly at Cho, who immediately followed his lead. "I suggest you might want to go visit someone. And don't say anything to your husband."
"I won't", Claire answered with a quick nod. She looked frightened and the moment the FBI agents were gone she was ready to grab some things and run.
"Care to tell me what that was all about?" Cho asked his companion. "You suspect Merrick?"
"Mmm hmm", Jane nodded. "He took the boy alright. We just have to get there before he decides to kill him."
"The boy's with him?"
"No – he has someone else doing his dirty work for him, so all it will take is a phone call."
"So let's get moving."
Patrick nodded and for once wished he had a siren on his car. He thought back to that wild trip to the airport in Florida, remembering using the siren then. Thank God he'd had it or he might have missed Teresa and his life would be much different.
"Do you think he's still alive?" Cho asked after a few minutes.
"Yes", he nodded. He didn't just think – he knew – but he wasn't going to tell Cho that. He wasn't getting any more visions or pictures, but he did have a strong sense of the boy – and it was getting stronger. "He's alive, but not for long. I think our visit to Merrick may have precipitated things."
Kimball had already called for back-up and hopefully it would be there when they arrived – or soon afterward. He was well-experienced with Jane figuring things out and then landing them right in the middle of a life-threatening situation.
Jane pulled slowly down the long driveway, knowing that there was a possibility that Jason Merrick had driven here after their visit. When he saw the red sports car sitting in the front, beside a more conservative black SUV, he was sure of it. "He's here."
"Crap!" Cho got out of the car as quickly and quietly as he could. "Let them know", he told Jane. "I'm going to go and see what's happening."
"Be careful."
Jane called the FBI, informing them that Jason Merrick was at the house and that the situation was dangerous. Hanging up he then made his way out of the car and moved carefully towards the house.
He frowned when he heard shots being fired and looked around, hoping to see the police arriving.
When nothing more happened he grimaced and made his way to the house, as quickly as he could. A moment later the door burst open and Jason appeared, a crying little boy held in one arm, a gun in the other. "Jane!" he called. "I know you're out here. I'm gonna kill him if you don't come out now!"
Jane slowly stepped forward, his hands in the air. "I'm here. Don't shoot."
"How did you know?" Merrick called out to him.
"You don't like it when people take things from you. I knew you must have taken Liam as a way to get back at Brent."
"Yeah", he laughed. "He took something of mine so I was gonna take something of his."
"Just let him go Jason. You don't want to hurt a little boy."
"Why not? Then Brent will learn his lesson."
"You're not going to get away with it", he said. "Everyone knows it was you."
"I don't care", he shouted. "He took my wife! She was mine! He had no right."
"No – he didn't. But an innocent little boy shouldn't be hurt because of that. Just let him go."
"Why don't you come up here and get him", Jason taunted. "Too scared, aren't you?"
"Yes – yes, I'm afraid. But I will get him." He took a step forward. In the background he could hear sirens. They were still a couple of minutes out but he knew that their arrival could cause Merrick to lose control. "Come on Jason – just let him go. You can leave and I won't try and stop you, I promise." As Jane was speaking he wondered what had happened to Cho – and presumably to the man who had been holding Liam – the man who had kidnapped him.
Jason looked as if he too had now noticed the sirens and he was starting to sweat. He was holding Liam more closely and the little boy was sobbing. The gun was wavering and Jane was afraid that someone was going to get hurt. At that precise moment he saw Cho – a Cho with blood on his arm – slide out the doorway behind Jason.
"Come on Jason – just let the boy go. You still have time to get away if you go now. If you don't you know they'll either kill you or put you in jail for a long, long time. Do you really want that? You have a lot of money – if you escape you can go somewhere without an extradition treaty and you'll be safe. Believe me, I've done it and it's nice. Just go somewhere warm and nice."
Jason was wavering, as the sirens got louder. Suddenly, with little warning, he tossed Liam to the side and sprinted for his car. Without even bothering to look at him Jane rushed over and grabbed the terrified little boy.
"It's okay Liam – everything is going to be just fine." He hugged the boy gently. "I'm going to take you to your mom now, okay?" He could feel Liam nod and sniff. "That's a good boy", he said, trying to drown out the noise of fighting.
Cho had immediately taken after Merrick and had thrown himself at the kidnapper and knocked him to the ground. A short skirmish ensued, but Jason Merrick was not an experienced fighter and Cho – even though wounded – soon had him restrained. It was then that the police finally arrived.
They found Merrick's accomplice in the cabin, unconscious but alive. It turned out he was a manager in one of Merrick's stores and had agreed to help for a hefty sum of money. As it was he was going to spend many years in jail for kidnapping.
Jane watched as the paramedics patched up Cho, who had a bullet graze on his arm. They also looked over Liam, who was declared healthy, although he clung to Jane. Once they were finished the two men then got into Jane's car, with Liam buckled in back seat, and headed to the FBI.
"We're taking you to your mom now", Jane assured the little boy. He smiled when he saw that Liam had fallen asleep by the time they were barely on the highway.
"You did good", Cho told him calmly.
"Hey, you're the one that got shot", Jane told him.
"Yeah, but you figured it out and then got him to give up the kid. Nicely done."
Jane glanced to the side and then nodded. "Thanks. I'm just glad Liam is okay."
"Mmm", Cho glanced in the back seat. "Mrs. Cargill isn't going to be very happy when she finds out what this was about."
"No", Jane sighed. "Infidelity – such a stupid and cruel thing."
Kimball looked over at him, a rare smile on his face. Jane really was a good man.
They arrived at the FBI building a few minutes later. Jane woke up the sleepy little boy and carried him upstairs and took him right to the interrogation room. "There's a little boy here who wants to see his mother."
He left immediately after handing the little boy over to Marissa, not wanting to wait for the thank-you's that were sure to come. He'd always been embarrassed by that part of his work, never feeling like he really deserved to be thanked for anything.
He went to see Abbott after that, quickly explaining everything to the senior agent. "I'd like to take Teresa and go home", he said at the end. "She's tired and needs to rest."
"And you are too", Abbott nodded. "Okay – tell Cho that he's to go home as well. We can get everything worked out at this end. Good job Jane."
"Meh", Jane shrugged. "It was nothing."
Abbott smiled. "Right. Now take that wife of yours and go."
"Come on Teresa", Jane reached out and took her hand to pull her to her feet. "Abbott says you're to go home."
"Abbott said that?" she asked, frown lines appearing between her eyes. "Why?"
"Because you're tired and I'm tired and we've solved the case and it's time to go home."
She sighed but nodded. "Okay, as long as you promise me that Abbott really is okay with this and it isn't one of your tricks."
He rolled his eyes at her. "Would I do that Teresa?"
"Yes, of course you would."
He just grinned and led her out of the office and towards home.