Author's notes: Thank you as always to Jane Doe51, Lousiekurylo, Wolfhound159, Janebiotch and the two guests for their kind reviews. Also thank you to the new follows and favs and for everyone kind enough to read my offering. Hope you enjoy the start of Patrick's visit to the FBI offices.
Patrick has to keep a firm hold of Austin's hand when he sees his Mother waiting in the busy foyer, as they exit the elevator from the car park. As soon as Teresa spots them she makes her way towards them, when she's close enough Patrick lets go and Austin flies into his Mother's open arms. They hug and share kisses.
"Wendy can't wait to see you. She has everything prepared."
Patrick knows, from Teresa's tutelage, that Wendy is a stalwart of the FBI, having worked here longer than anyone else. She works on the top floor in charge of administration, and although she has the agents quivering at the thought of not filing their expenditures in a timely manner, she's putty in Austin's hands. Something, apparently, not even he has managed to achieve, not that he ever handed any paperwork in on time, he just ignores her demonstrations. He's been told to expect a cool reception.
This hasn't stopped her falling in love with Austin and talking with Austin, Wendy's his favourite person at the FBI, she always spends time with him and they share a glass of milk and a biscuit as he tells her about school and she tells him about her life in Africa as a young girl.
Austin has a serious look on his face.
"Can you tell her that I'll be there in a little while, Daddy needs my help."
Patrick's first instinct is to object and tell Austin that he'll be fine and to go see his friend, but he can see that it's important to his son and so holds his tongue, and instead, rubs his son's hair and says:
"I'm counting on it."
Teresa puts Austin down and takes Maddy from Patrick, who takes Austin's hand.
"Show me the way."
Just then a booming voice sounds out:
"Is that my boy Austin, and his darling sister Maddy?"
Patrick looks towards the sound, to see a giant of a man coming towards them, obviously an agent of long standing, though not one with ambition, likes the to be out in the field. Happily married but with a past sadness, loss of a child, he would guess. He feels Austin tap his arm and looks down at him.
"Agent Foster, he doesn't like you."
Before Patrick has time to ask why the agent is upon them. He turns his attention to Teresa first.
"Lovely to see you Teresa it's been a while. Still married to the bum I see."
Patrick who is facing Teresa, but is unseen by Agent Foster, raises his eyebrows at her. She smiling politely at the agent but Patrick sees an added pull at the corner of her mouth at his gesture.
"Hi Manny, yes I still am, and still very happy."
"Good to hear it, because the day he makes you unhappy, he'll be sleeping with the fishes."
Patrick feels Austin tug at his arm.
"He likes Mom."
"I see that, but then everyone does."
Austin nods his head in agreement. Agent Foster turns towards him.
"Heard about your injury Jane, was bound to happen sometime."
Jane decides nonchalance is the order of the day for this guy.
"Thank you, glad not to disappoint."
"At least it got you out of the crime fighting business."
This is enough for Teresa and she interrupts:
"Hey Foster, I think it's time for you to leave."
The Agent ignores her.
"The whole building gave a huge sigh when they heard."
Teresa speaks through clenched teeth, so as not to upset Maddy in her arms:
"If you don't walk away right now, someone else may find themselves in hospital."
Patrick smiles at the man:
"Seems like you upset my wife. I should get out of here while you still have the use of both your legs."
Agent Foster scowls at Patrick and turns to Teresa.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."
Patrick knows he's smirking as he watches her glower at the man.
"It's not me you need to apologise to."
"I'm not.."
The Agent's protest dies away as Teresa continues to pierce him with a stare. He turns around to face Patrick, who feigns a disinterested expression.
"I'm sorry."
He turns abruptly and walks away from the family, who stare after him. Patrick hears Teresa let out a long breath and as she opens her mouth to speak, he holds up a finger and offers a warning:
"Children present."
He watches her check herself and turn to walk away.
"Let's go."
Patrick takes hold of Austin's hand and looks down at him.
"I guess we're moving on."
Austin nods his head and they quicken their pace to catch up with Teresa's disappearing form.
Abbott extends his hand and accompanies it with a beaming smile.
"Jane, how wonderful to see you."
He gives him an appraising look.
"You're looking great."
Jane accepts the offered hand and smiles in return.
"Thank you. I'm feeling a lot better."
"That's good to hear."
Abbott points over his shoulder.
"I have to go and do an interview, but I want to talk to you later."
Jane nods his agreement, and Abbott heads across the room. Jane leans towards his son.
"Finally, someone who likes me."
Austin nods his head. Austin spies Cho entering the bullpen and runs towards him.
"Uncle Cho."
Cho puts down the coffee cup he's holding and catches the excited boy in his arms, lifting him up.
"Hi Austin. I've been waiting for you."
Ausitn's eyes grow wide.
"You have?"
"You're mommy told me you were coming so…"
Cho lowers his voice to a whisper:
"… look what I have in my drawer."
Cho puts Austin down and slides open the top drawer of his desk, Austin peers inside and he bursts in to a smile.
"Thank you Uncle Cho."
"Are you feeding my son candy again?"
Unknown to them both, Teresa has come up behind them.
Cho folds his arms and stands in his intimidating pose.
"A few jelly beans never hurt anyone."
"Can I have them Mommy?"
Teresa looks sternly at the two of them for a moment before breaking in to a smile.
"Of course you can."
"Whoopee."
Cho reaches in and takes out two packets handing one to Austin and the other to Teresa.
"Here's some chocolate for Maddy."
Teresa takes it off him.
"Thanks Cho."
Patrick's only mildly aware of the interaction as he stands at the edge of the room, hands in his pocket slowly looking around. His initial reaction is that the room is cold and impersonal, despite everyone being at close quarters to one another and enough glass to stop people feeling isolated. It's just not comfortable. He finds it hard to believe he enjoys working here every day. He spots something interesting, as it's out of place and heads towards it. As he gets closer he can see that it's quite old. He stops in front of it and closes his eyes, drinking in the smell of the leather.
He's taken by surprise when a hand takes his own, but he doesn't open his eyes.
"You insisted on something comfortable to sit, well you lay more than you sit, while you work."
"It's certainly the most comfortable thing in this room."
"Yea, I don't like all the glass either. It's like working in a fish bowl."
She extends her hand towards the couch.
"Take a seat."
Patrick makes a small bow.
"Only if you'll join me."
Teresa feigns coyness.
"Me? I'm honoured Sir."
Patrick smiles, pleased that she played along. He indicates for her to sit and then joins her. He notices someone new has entered the bullpen, a blond, curly-haired kid, who Maddy seems to adore. It must be Wiley. The eager computer geek, who Teresa described as sweet and enthusiastic and a bit of a Patrick Jane worshipper. He immediately liked the kid.
He eyes sweep the room once more. So this is his work place and these are his colleagues, his eyes rest on the interview room that Abbott entered. Patrick sits up a little, catching Teresa's attention.
"What is it Patrick?"
Patrick slowly stands, his eyes constantly on the man with Abbott. He starts to walk towards the room, Teresa follows him and repeats the question:
"What's wrong Patrick."
Patrick points.
"That man in there is a cold-bloodied murderer."
To be continued...