Fic: Long Lost (Long Last) - Chapter 12
A/N: Here we go, the next one. Sorry for the delay, I’ve been planning out the rest of this, not the easiest thing in the world, given that there is now a geographical component of this thing. But I think I have it all mostly straight now. The one drawback is that I’m not writing strictly chronologically, which isn’t always great for posting chapters. Oh, also, as a disclaimer: I have never actually been to California. My knowledge is based on the internet and google maps. If I get something wrong, I apologize. I’m doing my best.
Title: Long lost (Long last)
Rating: K+
Pairing/Genre: Jane/Lisbon, friendship/romance
Summary: After a case involving obscure hobbies, Jane decides to bring back the long lost art of letter-writing. In spite of his best efforts, he only manages to secure a single correspondant
Chapter 12
xxx
The rest of the weekend practically flew by. At least, that’s how it felt to Lisbon. She and Annie started out at the spa on Saturday morning, taking full advantage of Jane’s generosity by getting massages and all manner of spa treatments (some of which Lisbon admitted privately that she could have done without). Still, by mid-afternoon she felt completely relaxed, even if she was perfectly happy to leave.
Anyway, it was time for their shopping trip.
The two Lisbon women spent the next three hours rifling through clothing store after clothing store. Lisbon made a few suggestions, but soon learned it was futile. Annie already seemed to have a good idea of what she wanted, at least in theory. Lisbon’s role was more to give advice on her selections, which she did happily. By the end of the day, she’d finally figured out what her niece was after, and her tentative suggestions were received more positively.
It turned out Annie wanted to look pretty.
Or more specifically, she wanted to stand out a little, and maybe make a certain someone take notice. Not that she ever said it.
Lisbon threw herself into the task enthusiastically.
She may have gone a little overboard, in the end, but she didn’t care. She’d had such a good time. And so had Annie.
Saturday night had been quiet, both women were basically exhausted. They got dinner, then pretty much collapsed back at Lisbon’s place.
Then, on Sunday it was time for Annie to go.
Lisbon regretfully dropped her off at the bus station with a hug.
“You come back soon, okay?” she told her niece. “And keep me posted on what happens with Dylan.”
“If anything,” Annie said dryly. “But yeah, I’ll call. Thanks Aunt Reese, or everything. I had a really great time.”
“Me too,” Lisbon said. “You’re sure you’re okay on the bus?”
Annie sighed. “I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
“Can’t help it,” Lisbon replied easily. “Have a good trip. Let me know when you get home. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” Annie agreed. “Love you, Aunt Reese.”
“Love you to,” Lisbon replied, watching the teenager get on the bus. She waited at the station until the bus pulled away, then she turned back towards her condo.
xxx
It was early Sunday evening when Lisbon’s phone rang. She grinned when she saw the call display, wondering whether father or daughter was calling her. “Hello,” she said as she answered the call.
“You took my daughter to the shooting range?” Lisbon heard her brother’s voice in her ear.
She laughed briefly. “It was her choice,” she justified.
She heard a shocked pause on the other end of the line. “I’m sure it was, Reese. But honestly, the shooting range?”
“She said she wanted tips, besides, it’s not like I handed her a machine gun and told her to go at it. We had a serious talk about guns first,” Lisbon explained. “I thought, better she learns it from me than from someone less experienced.”
“Like me, you mean?” Tommy asked.
Lisbon gritted her teeth. “That’s not what I meant Tom, and that’s not what I said. You’ve taught her well. And you know as well as I do that there are a million places she could learn about guns. Another person telling her the right way of doing things can’t hurt. Besides, she wants to be a cop. We talked about that.”
“Right. Sorry,” Tommy muttered.
Lisbon pressed a hand to her forehead, wondering why this always happened when she talked to her brother. “I didn’t mean you, Tommy. Are you mad?”
He sighed, and conceded. “No, I’m not mad. I’m just surprised. You certainly never suggested we go to the shooting range.”
“We can next time,” Lisbon suggested tentatively. “Make it a family outing.”
Tommy laughed. “That’s our family. I guess I wasn’t expecting you to be so, I don’t know, okay with it all. After the last time we saw each other you seemed pretty against Annie being anywhere near a gun.”
“I know, I know. I just... I’m trying,” Lisbon explained. “And at least if I talk to her about it first I can feel a bit better about it all. She’s quite the shot.”
“Yes she is,” Tommy agreed. “Takes after her aunt.”
Lisbon chuckled, relaxing slightly, taking the compliment for the apology that it was. “Thanks. I do what I can. I take it this means you both got home safe and sound?”
“We did. And I got to hear all about the weekend along the way. The shooting range then the spa? That’s quite the range of activities, Reese,” her brother teased.
Lisbon shrugged. “We’re women of many interests.”
“And Annie told me all about them,” Tommy said dryly, but Lisbon could tell he was pleased.
She smiled. “Annie tells me the new job’s going well for you.”
“It is,” Tommy agreed, and Lisbon could hear the pride in his voice. So she put on a smile.
“That’s great,” she told him. “I’m glad.”
“Thanks Reese,” Tommy replied. “And thanks for taking Annie this weekend. She really has been talking my ear off about it since she got back. Apparently you give pretty good advice sometimes.”
Lisbon laughed, “High praise from my bullheaded younger brother. But it was my pleasure. She’s welcome any time, you know that. And if she ever needs to talk, she knows where I am.”
Tommy exhaled in relief. “Yeah, thanks for that too. I’m not so good at the girl stuff, and it’s coming up more and more. What’d you guys talk about anyway? Is it something I need to be worried about?”
“Can’t tell you that, Tom,” Lisbon said. “That’s the point of girl talk.”
“Oh come on Reese!” he whined. “Just give me a heads up.”
“Nope,” Lisbon said, now thoroughly enjoying herself. “But you’ll probably be hearing about it soon enough yourself.”
“Oh god, it’s boys, isn’t it?” her brother groaned. “I knew it.”
Lisbon smirked. “I couldn’t possibly comment.”
“Reese...”
Lisbon softened. “Tommy, if I tell you, she’ll never tell me another thing again. And I think we can both agree that it’s good if she has someone sensible that she can talk to. In the meantime, relax; you’ve got a good kid there.”
“You’re enjoying this,” her brother accused.
“Yes I am,” Lisbon agreed.
“That’s just cruel,” he muttered. “I’m a single father here. Don’t I get a little sympathy?”
“Nope,” Lisbon said cheerfully.
“Great.”
She smirked. “In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t just take Annie to the shooting range. There may have been a class on tackling as well.”
Tommy groaned again.
She laughed.
Suddenly Tommy brightened. “Wait,” he clarified. “Are you telling me that you taught my daughter how to knock someone bigger than her to the ground? Like a guy who was pestering her?”
“Yup.”
“Nice job, Reese!” he said enthusiastically.
“I thought you’d like that,” Lisbon murmured. “Probably more interesting to you than our shopping trip.”
“Oh, speaking of that,” Tommy replied. “I saw Annie’s new clothes. You didn’t need to buy her all that stuff.”
“I didn’t buy all of it,” Lisbon defended. “She paid for some of it herself. I just got her a few presents. She’s in high school, and clothes are important.”
“Still, it’s too much,” Tommy argued. “Let me pay you back.”
But Lisbon shook her head. “No Tom, not necessary.”
“Reese.”
“No,” Lisbon replied firmly. She wasn’t going to take his money. “I know I may have gone a little overboard...”
“A little?” her brother asked scathingly. “Reese, I think you bought out half the store.”
“Oh, I did not,” Lisbon replied. “You’re exaggerating. I just bought her a couple of outfits.”
“Just... Reese, you didn’t have to do that.”
“I know I didn’t have to,” Lisbon snapped. “I... Look, it’s been so long since I’ve had someone to go pick out a new outfit with, spoil a little. Anyway, a few new outfits won’t hurt Annie. Please Tom, don’t... We had fun.”
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
“Tommy?” Lisbon asked tentatively.
“I miss you too, Reese,” he said gruffly.
“Yeah, well, you should visit more,” she shot back.
“You should come for Christmas,” Tommy said spontaneously.
The offer surprised her. “What?”
“Come for Christmas,” Tommy repeated. “Please. The kid’d love it. We’ll do the big dinner. You can stay a few days. It’ll be fun. Unless you have other plans?” he added as an afterthought.
Lisbon paused. She hadn’t really thought too much about Christmas. Sometimes she spent it with her brothers, but often she just stuck around Sacramento. It was always very low key. She liked having a few days to relax all by herself in the city, away from work. The last couple of years she’d ended up spending part of the day with Jane actually. The bottom dropped out of her stomach. Jane. Who would be god only knew where come the end of December. Suddenly Christmas in Sacramento (alone) sounded like something akin to a prison sentence.
“I’d love to,” she said in a whoosh. “That sounds great! Can I bring anything? What were you planning?”
Her brother laughed. “Whoa, whoa, Reese! Hold up! We’ve got a couple months to plan yet. Let me think about it, and I’ll let you know if there’s anything you can do. Just promise you’ll bring yourself.”
“I’ll be there,” Lisbon assured him, suddenly excited. “Just get back to me on the other stuff.”
“I will,” her brother told her. “Now, I should go and check that my daughter has actually gone to bed, and isn’t, I don’t know, doing whatever teenagers do.”
“Say good night for me,” Lisbon ordered.
“I will,” Tommy promised. “And thanks again, Reese.”
“Always, you idiot.”
Lisbon could picture her brother smiling at that. “You have a good night too,” he told her with a laugh.
“Night Tommy,” she replied before hanging up her phone.
She smiled at the phone in her hand briefly.
After hanging up, Lisbon glanced around her empty apartment, feeling lonely. She sat down to write a letter to Jane with the intention of distracting herself. It didn’t quite work out as planned because it just made her wish that he was there with her.
But she wrote the letter anyway, because she wanted to tell him about her weekend, and she knew he wanted to hear it. And even if telling him in person would have been better (would have made her apartment seem less quiet), the letter would have to do.
xxx
Dear Jane,
Well, I’m all by my lonesome again.
Annie’s gone. She left earlier today, adamant that she could take the bus and I didn’t have to drive her. Her Dad picked her up at the bus station. He just called. They both got in safe and sound. I was questioned about my decision to take her to the shooting range, but I think Tommy’s okay with it now. He was just a little surprised by it all, I think. He was positively thrilled when I mentioned that I taught Annie how to knock a boy to the ground if necessary. But then, I also apparently bought her too many presents. But I don’t care what he thinks about that. Annie and I had a good time on our shopping trip. That’s all that matters.
Besides, I just got her a few things. And they’re for school. It’s nice to get new things sometimes. I bought a couple things for myself too. I had fun, even if the whole weekend was a little exhausting, but in a good way this time (don’t go offering to send me another stupid sleep schedule).
Anyway, shopping was yesterday afternoon. We ended with dinner (the Mexican restaurant that I knew she’d like), some TV and some cards. Then today was brunch, packing, and getting to the bus station in time. Which we did of course.
Thank you for the spa trip. That was what we did yesterday morning. You didn’t have to do that, but it was very sweet. Relaxing too (which I’m sure was your intention). Annie and I enjoyed ourselves, getting massages and all that good stuff. Really, Saturday was very much a girl’s day out.
Of course, now it’s back to the CBI tomorrow. I hope we get a case. I could use the distraction.
I’m going to send this letter onto Eureka. Don’t know how long you’re staying in Fortuna. Of course, I also don’t know why I’m telling you that. If you get this, you’ll know very well where I sent it. If not, well, you’ll never read the sentence anyway so it doesn’t matter.
Whatever, I’m not changing it. I hope you’re okay.
-Lisbon
x
Lisbon sealed and addressed her letter, setting it on the table next to the door to be mailed the next day. Then she glanced around her apartment, before stalking deliberately over to the television, desperate for some noise.
xxx
Lisbon’s wished for case did in fact arrive on Monday, to her relief. She was driving to Southern California early the next morning with the rest of her team. And with the new case came the crime scene, the interviews, the theories, the suspects, the interrogations, all the usual things. The four day whirlwind was enough to occupy her brain and get her back into the groove of her life.
Lisbon counted that as a win, even if Van Pelt did almost end up hitting their suspect in a car chase. Lisbon decided that the key word in that sentence was “almost.” In the end, no one was hurt, and the suspect was in custody.
Still, smashed up CBI vehicles meant a lot of paperwork, so it was late when she made it back to her apartment once the case was finally closed. Not that she minded. Working late was necessary sometimes. It was part of the job.
But, after a few days of going pretty much nonstop, she was looking forward to relaxing on her couch or in her bathtub.
When she found a letter in her mailbox, Lisbon decided that she’d better at least start with the couch. Wouldn’t want the paper to get soggy after all.
xxx
Crescent City, California,
Dear Lisbon,
I’m on the move again, as you can see. I travelled quite a bit today. All of a sudden I got sick of staying in one place, kicking around Fortuna with nothing to do. The show went well. I enjoyed it for a few days, but then it was done, and I was suddenly just sick of the entire town, so I just got into my car and drove. It’s nice to have that freedom. I drove until I got to Crescent City. It’s a nice little place so far.
It’s different. And that’s what I wanted.
It is a good thing that I stopped in at a few small towns along the way, or I would have missed your second letter. And that would have been a shame.
I see I owe you an apology. I promise never to offer to send you a sleep schedule again. Or to suggest that you want me to keep a dream diary. We will both do our best to get as much sleep as we need, in our different ways. I’m glad that you enjoyed the spa trip though. I hope it was relaxing. I’ve been by the sea lately, and you’re right, that does help you relax. I’m glad I could help.
I’m also glad you had a good weekend with Annie, dear. Don’t bother trying to tell me it was tiring; I can see through you. You had the time of your life. And I’m sure your advice about boys was better than you think. You may feel awkward giving it (and by the way, I don’t know why you think *my* presence in an elevator with you and a crying Van Pelt would have made anything less awkward), but in the end you always have good intentions, and that makes all the difference.
I am texting Annie. I have been for a while, which I suppose is why I never thought to mention it to you. It’s never anything all that important, so I guess it just never came up. It never really occurred to me to try and write her letters. I suspect I’d get the equivalent of an eye-roll in my next text message, whatever that might be. I suppose this is why the art of letter writing is getting lost. But we’re keeping it alive in our own little corner of the world, aren’t we Teresa?
Anyway, Annie texted me a few days ago. First she was smug about having caught me writing you letters. Apparently this is something you catch someone in now, sending a friend a letter. I disregarded that message. Others followed it. I heard all about your class on tackling. And the lessons at the shooting range. And shopping.
Okay, I didn’t hear all about any of those things. I heard the highlights. Only so much you can convey via text message, but I got the picture. She may have bragged that she would now be able to knock me to the ground if she ever saw me. I told her that fact was never in any doubt. After all, I’m hardly a difficult target when it comes to feats of physical strength.
You could certainly get the better on me if it you wanted to. In fact, I seem to recall being punched in the nose more than once over the years...
But that’s not the point. The point is that it sounds like the two of you had a lovely weekend. I’m happy for you Lisbon.
I hope you’ve re-adjusted now. I heard on the radio that the CBI’d been called into a case on the other side of the state. I’m sure that provided the distraction you wanted. Heard it was solved too. Unsurprising, obviously.
I’m glad things are going well for you. I continue on, much the same. I think things are alright though. I hope they are. Let’s both hope for that, shall we? (I know you always do.)
Have a good night, Teresa. I’ll write to you soon. And you know that if you ever need to talk, I’ll listen. Just write me a letter,
As always,
-Patrick
x
Lisbon smiled wistfully. It was a lovely letter. It really was. She yawned.
And she would answer it, just as soon as she had her bath.
xxx
In spite of Jane’s offer to listen, or rather read, whatever she wanted to tell him, the two of them had a bit of a communication breakdown over the next few weeks.
Staring at her map with her reply, Lisbon had tried to guess Jane’s next move. He’d been driving fairly consistently north since he’d left Sacramento following the highway. But if he continued along that route any further, he’d be leaving California. Of course, there was no reason to think that Jane would stay strictly within the borders of the state. He wasn’t bound by CBI jurisdictional issues anymore, after all. Why shouldn’t he cross into Oregon? That was where the highway went. It made the most sense, really.
Lisbon had resolved to follow the highway. Which promptly split right outside of Crescent City.
So, hoping for the best, she’d picked somewhere at random and just mailed her reply.
She’d picked wrong.
Jane had apparently decided not to follow the highway as he’d been doing for weeks and weeks. He had decided to stay in California (for who knows what reason), and had taken some random back roads route across the top of the state.
Lisbon figured it was a miracle he hadn’t gotten irrevocably lost.
His next letter appeared almost a week later and was full of tales of roads in disrepair, of dirt roads where he hadn’t seen another car for ages, of the time he’d thought he’d made a mistake and taken a wrong turn. Reading between the lines, Lisbon was pretty sure he’d slept in his car at least one night during his meanderings (she also gathered that he wasn’t travelling particularly quickly, stopping every time a particularly picturesque tree caught his eye from the sounds of it). The letter itself had been mailed from a town so small, Lisbon’d never even heard of it, somewhere in the middle of the National Forest at the top of the state.
Still, Jane’s letter had been cheerful. He’d gone on and on about how beautiful everything was up there. So Lisbon suspected he was enjoying himself, even if she was at a complete loss as to where to send the next letter. Who knew where his route would take him. He wasn’t driving in anything even resembling a straight line.
She was determined to do her best though. Pulling up her trusty map of California on her laptop, Lisbon decided to send her reply to Fort Jones. It seemed as good a place as any for Jane to emerge from the wilderness in.
A letter arrived two days later from Yreka.
Lisbon scowled as she ripped it open.
Unbelievable, irritating man, just popping up around California whenever it suited him. Ugh.
It was a good thing for him he was halfway across the state. If she saw him in person right, she’d probably punch him in the nose.
He drove around willy-nilly, wherever he damn well pleased, sending her letters, and to send him a freaking reply, she was doing what was basically the equivalent of throwing darts at a map and hoping for the best.
Okay, her method wasn’t quite that bad, but still.
Damn Jane.
x
Yreka, California
Dear Lisbon,
I haven’t found a letter from you in almost two weeks now. I suppose that’s my own fault. My route these past couple weeks hasn’t really followed any kind of a set path. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m confined to Yreka for the next few days. My poor car started making funny noises on the last leg of my journey. I took it to a mechanic last night, who promptly started shaking his head in a dismal manner (almost certainly as part of lead up to justify charging me what I am sure will be an exorbitant amount for the repairs). I gather that the problem isn’t particularly serious, just something that needs a fair bit of work to sort out.
So I will be spending a little while exactly where I am. Not that I mind, particularly. I was probably due to stop for a few days anyway, try and get my bearings again, or something.
When I do get going, maybe I’ll follow Highway 5 for a while. There really are almost an innumerable places a person could go in this state, many of which I’ve never been to. It’s ridiculous really. Probably high time I got to know my own home state a bit better. It really is different, driving around the state when you’re not going somewhere solely for the purpose of solving a murder. You look at a town a different way, Lisbon. You should try it sometime.
Anyway, I’m off to the restaurant on the corner to grab some dinner. I’ve become rather fond of family-owned restaurants on this trip. There’s something about them when you’re travelling. They’re almost comforting, even if the food is terrible. But it’s worth it, because sometimes the food is fantastic. It’s hit and miss, I guess, just like anything else.
I hope things are going well with you, Teresa. Let me know, if you’re not already too fed up with me and my gallivanting to write back.
-Jane
x
Lisbon was tempted to not write back, just to show him. Stupid Jane.
But she knew an overture when she saw one, and she’d never been particularly good at saying no to Jane, even at the best of times.
Sighing to herself, she wrenched open her drawer and pulled out a sheet of note-paper.
x
Dear Aggravation,
I’m sending this letter to Yreka, and if you’re not there when it arrives and you don’t get it, you have no one to blame but yourself.
Of course you haven’t heard from me in a few weeks. How was I to know you’d cut across northern California taking the scenic route, when any sane person just takes the highway through Oregon? Although, I guess that answers my question. You’re not sane.
Alright, I’m done. After all, it’s not your fault. I knew what I was getting into when I started writing to you. We both knew that this correspondence wouldn’t always be exactly regular. It is what it is.
So instead of complaining, I will tell you that I’m doing well. Things are much the same here. You sound like you enjoyed your little detour through the forest, for all that your poor car didn’t. I just hope that thing doesn’t decide to completely fall apart on you one of these days. I can just picture you sitting in it while the wheels and doors just fall right off, like in a cartoon. I’ve had my doubts about it over the years. Of course, then it always goes and proves me wrong, so I guess all I can do is hope that it continues to do so.
I know you’re not going to become sensible about that thing all of a sudden, that’s for sure.
Sarah and Connor stopped by to see Rigsby the other day at work. He’s growing like a weed, and he’s into everything. Not that anybody minded, of course. We were keeping a pretty close eye on him. He’s such a happy little fellow, always cheerful. Guess he takes after his Dad that way. They’re really adorable together. I’m sending you a picture (Rigsby and Sarah just got some new ones taken), which is another reason you’d better be where you say you are.
Van Pelt’s started seeing someone new. He seems nice. He’s an architect. I don’t know much about him. I think they met playing ultimate Frisbee, or something. As far as I know, there’s nothing new with Cho, although sometimes it’s hard to tell.
I need to do laundry, but I’m not going to. I think I’m going to watch TV instead. Laundry can wait. I’m sorry that my life isn’t very exciting today, sometimes it’s like that.
Until next time (and yes, I will keep writing. I promise)
Teresa
x
After that, the letters came and went more regularly again. Jane’s reply was full of abuse on the subject of his mechanic, who had indeed charged him a ridiculous amount for what, according to Jane, was really a minor repair.
Lisbon pretended to be sympathetic. She was fairly certain he wasn’t fooled.
He thanked her for the photo of little Connor, agreeing that he was very like his father.
She told him about how some idiot nearly ran right into her with his car when she did her grocery shopping, and about how work had been busy lately, and seemed to be piling up. She talked about her day, how she was doing, asked him about his travels.
And sometimes she told him about her family.
X
Dear Jane,
I heard from Annie today. Apparently I have graduated from being cool Aunt Teresa to being The Best Aunt Ever. She took my advice, such as it was, and the boy in her class took the hint. They’re going to the movies this weekend. I hope it works out. It’s her first real date and all that.
Mine was a bit of a disaster. I wouldn’t wish it on her. Neither I, nor the guy I was with could think of a single thing to say to each other. Thank goodness we were going to a movie and didn’t have to talk for most of it. Needless to say, the relationship didn’t exactly blossom. It was so very awkward. That’s the point of first dates though, I guess. Still, I hope Annie’s date goes better. It’s on Friday.
Of course, I got a call from Tommy a couple of hours after I talked to his daughter. He was in a panic. I was berated for not telling him about this. Apparently it’s all my fault, and all due to my encouragement. I nodded along while he ranted, making encouraging noises whenever appropriate. Then I was forced to point out that he couldn’t ground Annie for life because she wanted to go to the movies with a boy, nor could he drive Dylan out to the desert and threaten him with bodily harm if he ever hurt Annie. However, I did remind Tommy that he was well within his rights to tell Dylan all about his job, and what he did for a living. I never thought I’d say this, but my brother being a bounty hunter has some definite advantages. Particularly when it comes to putting the fear of god into teenage boys who want to date my niece.
Tommy thought so too. He sounded much more cheerful when he hung up the phone. I just hope he doesn’t overdo it on the protective Dad front. I don’t think he will. He was just freaking out a little.
It probably says something that my niece’s love life is more interesting than my own, but what can you do? There’s something to be said for living vicariously through a teenager. I wouldn’t want to go through it again myself, but it’s definitely interesting.
How are you? Staying out of trouble I hope. Because between trying to deal with Annie’s excitement and nervousness, trying to talk Tommy down from a ledge, and trying to, you know, catch actual murderers, I find myself a little busy this week.
I hope things are going well for your own sake obviously too.
Love Lisbon
x
Jane’s reply came a few days later.
x
Weed, California,
Dear Teresa,
Ah, young love. There is something kind of fascinating about it, isn’t there? Although, I can’t say I’m upset that those days are behind me. Life is complicated enough without everything being so all-consuming, every little thing being either wonderful or catastrophic.
Still, I hope Annie enjoys her little romance. Which, by the way, you are no longer allowed to say that you give terrible advice. Not if this is what results from it. Don’t scoff at me Teresa. We both know you’re a romantic at heart, underneath that prickly exterior (which isn’t always so prickly, but that’s another story all together).
It sounds like you’ve got your hands full trying to keep your brother sane. I wish you luck with that. If nothing else, this whole thing has obviously brought the two of you closer. It’s nice to hear you so happy. And I told you to give bounty hunting a chance. Nothing can be all bad. Poor Dylan. If that boy sticks it out, he might be a keeper.
You’ll be happy to know that I’m keeping out of trouble. My car is working again, obviously. No problems there. She’s always gotten me where I’ve wanted to go, even if others cruelly roll their eyes. I’m going to stand by her.
Do you know that Weed, California used to have the world’s largest sawmill? There is also a sawmill museum here now. I think tourism is the town’s major industry at this point though. It’s an interesting little town to pass through. Very pretty, but then, much of California is. I enjoyed my day here. Where, as I said, I kept out of trouble. So you don’t need to worry about me.
Go back to worrying about your brother and your niece for the time being, dear.
Yours,
Jane
x
Lisbon grinned and sat down immediately to reply. After all, she had the rest of the story to tell Jane now. He’d no doubt enjoy it.
x
Dear Jane,
Annie’s date with Dylan went well. Which is nice. It wasn’t anything like my disaster of a first date. It probably helped that the two of them already talked to each other pretty frequently beforehand. I talked to her a little yesterday. I was very casual, trying to keep up the front of Cool Aunt Teresa. Hard though, given my curiosity. I didn’t get many details, and I’m not passing the ones I did get along, confidentiality and all that. But I can tell you that they went to the movie, which was good. Then he bought her ice cream, and they talked. According to Annie he’s very nice and funny. And she thinks he liked her.
I’m guessing he does, because apparently there are already whispers of a second date, possibly for next weekend. Which is nice. As long as she’s happy.
Tommy is still trying not to have a coronary. I think he feels a little bit better now that he’s actually met Dylan. Tommy’s definitely comforted by the fact that he’s pretty sure he managed to strike fear into Dylan’s heart with all his tales of bounty hunting, and chasing suspects across California with a trunk full of firearms. He seemed particularly pleased about that last bit when he called to tell me about his success in scaring the crap out of a high school student.
Annie told me why later. Apparently Tommy didn’t limit himself to stories about Annie’s bounty hunter Dad. Turns out Tommy also mentioned Annie’s favourite Aunt Lisbon who works for the CBI, catches murderers for a living, and taught Annie how to knock a man twice her size to the ground without breaking a sweat. Nice to know I can help in scaring the crap out of a teenager.
Well, it’s good enough for him. He’d better not hurt her.
Annie was unimpressed with her father’s behaviour. I maintained a diplomatic silence on that point. Anyway, Annie was too excited to pay her Dad too much attention.
I’m glad you’re enjoying Weed (what a name!), and your car is still miraculously running.
I think I’m going to go hiking this weekend, just for a change. The weather’s been so nice.
Until next time,
-L
x
With that, Lisbon addressed her letter with a satisfied smile. She’d already decided that Mount Shasta seemed like a likely place for Jane to stop on his travels. It was so much easier to keep track of him when he drove in a straight line.
xxx
TBC
Title: Long lost (Long last)
Rating: K+
Pairing/Genre: Jane/Lisbon, friendship/romance
Summary: After a case involving obscure hobbies, Jane decides to bring back the long lost art of letter-writing. In spite of his best efforts, he only manages to secure a single correspondant
Chapter 12
xxx
The rest of the weekend practically flew by. At least, that’s how it felt to Lisbon. She and Annie started out at the spa on Saturday morning, taking full advantage of Jane’s generosity by getting massages and all manner of spa treatments (some of which Lisbon admitted privately that she could have done without). Still, by mid-afternoon she felt completely relaxed, even if she was perfectly happy to leave.
Anyway, it was time for their shopping trip.
The two Lisbon women spent the next three hours rifling through clothing store after clothing store. Lisbon made a few suggestions, but soon learned it was futile. Annie already seemed to have a good idea of what she wanted, at least in theory. Lisbon’s role was more to give advice on her selections, which she did happily. By the end of the day, she’d finally figured out what her niece was after, and her tentative suggestions were received more positively.
It turned out Annie wanted to look pretty.
Or more specifically, she wanted to stand out a little, and maybe make a certain someone take notice. Not that she ever said it.
Lisbon threw herself into the task enthusiastically.
She may have gone a little overboard, in the end, but she didn’t care. She’d had such a good time. And so had Annie.
Saturday night had been quiet, both women were basically exhausted. They got dinner, then pretty much collapsed back at Lisbon’s place.
Then, on Sunday it was time for Annie to go.
Lisbon regretfully dropped her off at the bus station with a hug.
“You come back soon, okay?” she told her niece. “And keep me posted on what happens with Dylan.”
“If anything,” Annie said dryly. “But yeah, I’ll call. Thanks Aunt Reese, or everything. I had a really great time.”
“Me too,” Lisbon said. “You’re sure you’re okay on the bus?”
Annie sighed. “I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
“Can’t help it,” Lisbon replied easily. “Have a good trip. Let me know when you get home. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” Annie agreed. “Love you, Aunt Reese.”
“Love you to,” Lisbon replied, watching the teenager get on the bus. She waited at the station until the bus pulled away, then she turned back towards her condo.
xxx
It was early Sunday evening when Lisbon’s phone rang. She grinned when she saw the call display, wondering whether father or daughter was calling her. “Hello,” she said as she answered the call.
“You took my daughter to the shooting range?” Lisbon heard her brother’s voice in her ear.
She laughed briefly. “It was her choice,” she justified.
She heard a shocked pause on the other end of the line. “I’m sure it was, Reese. But honestly, the shooting range?”
“She said she wanted tips, besides, it’s not like I handed her a machine gun and told her to go at it. We had a serious talk about guns first,” Lisbon explained. “I thought, better she learns it from me than from someone less experienced.”
“Like me, you mean?” Tommy asked.
Lisbon gritted her teeth. “That’s not what I meant Tom, and that’s not what I said. You’ve taught her well. And you know as well as I do that there are a million places she could learn about guns. Another person telling her the right way of doing things can’t hurt. Besides, she wants to be a cop. We talked about that.”
“Right. Sorry,” Tommy muttered.
Lisbon pressed a hand to her forehead, wondering why this always happened when she talked to her brother. “I didn’t mean you, Tommy. Are you mad?”
He sighed, and conceded. “No, I’m not mad. I’m just surprised. You certainly never suggested we go to the shooting range.”
“We can next time,” Lisbon suggested tentatively. “Make it a family outing.”
Tommy laughed. “That’s our family. I guess I wasn’t expecting you to be so, I don’t know, okay with it all. After the last time we saw each other you seemed pretty against Annie being anywhere near a gun.”
“I know, I know. I just... I’m trying,” Lisbon explained. “And at least if I talk to her about it first I can feel a bit better about it all. She’s quite the shot.”
“Yes she is,” Tommy agreed. “Takes after her aunt.”
Lisbon chuckled, relaxing slightly, taking the compliment for the apology that it was. “Thanks. I do what I can. I take it this means you both got home safe and sound?”
“We did. And I got to hear all about the weekend along the way. The shooting range then the spa? That’s quite the range of activities, Reese,” her brother teased.
Lisbon shrugged. “We’re women of many interests.”
“And Annie told me all about them,” Tommy said dryly, but Lisbon could tell he was pleased.
She smiled. “Annie tells me the new job’s going well for you.”
“It is,” Tommy agreed, and Lisbon could hear the pride in his voice. So she put on a smile.
“That’s great,” she told him. “I’m glad.”
“Thanks Reese,” Tommy replied. “And thanks for taking Annie this weekend. She really has been talking my ear off about it since she got back. Apparently you give pretty good advice sometimes.”
Lisbon laughed, “High praise from my bullheaded younger brother. But it was my pleasure. She’s welcome any time, you know that. And if she ever needs to talk, she knows where I am.”
Tommy exhaled in relief. “Yeah, thanks for that too. I’m not so good at the girl stuff, and it’s coming up more and more. What’d you guys talk about anyway? Is it something I need to be worried about?”
“Can’t tell you that, Tom,” Lisbon said. “That’s the point of girl talk.”
“Oh come on Reese!” he whined. “Just give me a heads up.”
“Nope,” Lisbon said, now thoroughly enjoying herself. “But you’ll probably be hearing about it soon enough yourself.”
“Oh god, it’s boys, isn’t it?” her brother groaned. “I knew it.”
Lisbon smirked. “I couldn’t possibly comment.”
“Reese...”
Lisbon softened. “Tommy, if I tell you, she’ll never tell me another thing again. And I think we can both agree that it’s good if she has someone sensible that she can talk to. In the meantime, relax; you’ve got a good kid there.”
“You’re enjoying this,” her brother accused.
“Yes I am,” Lisbon agreed.
“That’s just cruel,” he muttered. “I’m a single father here. Don’t I get a little sympathy?”
“Nope,” Lisbon said cheerfully.
“Great.”
She smirked. “In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t just take Annie to the shooting range. There may have been a class on tackling as well.”
Tommy groaned again.
She laughed.
Suddenly Tommy brightened. “Wait,” he clarified. “Are you telling me that you taught my daughter how to knock someone bigger than her to the ground? Like a guy who was pestering her?”
“Yup.”
“Nice job, Reese!” he said enthusiastically.
“I thought you’d like that,” Lisbon murmured. “Probably more interesting to you than our shopping trip.”
“Oh, speaking of that,” Tommy replied. “I saw Annie’s new clothes. You didn’t need to buy her all that stuff.”
“I didn’t buy all of it,” Lisbon defended. “She paid for some of it herself. I just got her a few presents. She’s in high school, and clothes are important.”
“Still, it’s too much,” Tommy argued. “Let me pay you back.”
But Lisbon shook her head. “No Tom, not necessary.”
“Reese.”
“No,” Lisbon replied firmly. She wasn’t going to take his money. “I know I may have gone a little overboard...”
“A little?” her brother asked scathingly. “Reese, I think you bought out half the store.”
“Oh, I did not,” Lisbon replied. “You’re exaggerating. I just bought her a couple of outfits.”
“Just... Reese, you didn’t have to do that.”
“I know I didn’t have to,” Lisbon snapped. “I... Look, it’s been so long since I’ve had someone to go pick out a new outfit with, spoil a little. Anyway, a few new outfits won’t hurt Annie. Please Tom, don’t... We had fun.”
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
“Tommy?” Lisbon asked tentatively.
“I miss you too, Reese,” he said gruffly.
“Yeah, well, you should visit more,” she shot back.
“You should come for Christmas,” Tommy said spontaneously.
The offer surprised her. “What?”
“Come for Christmas,” Tommy repeated. “Please. The kid’d love it. We’ll do the big dinner. You can stay a few days. It’ll be fun. Unless you have other plans?” he added as an afterthought.
Lisbon paused. She hadn’t really thought too much about Christmas. Sometimes she spent it with her brothers, but often she just stuck around Sacramento. It was always very low key. She liked having a few days to relax all by herself in the city, away from work. The last couple of years she’d ended up spending part of the day with Jane actually. The bottom dropped out of her stomach. Jane. Who would be god only knew where come the end of December. Suddenly Christmas in Sacramento (alone) sounded like something akin to a prison sentence.
“I’d love to,” she said in a whoosh. “That sounds great! Can I bring anything? What were you planning?”
Her brother laughed. “Whoa, whoa, Reese! Hold up! We’ve got a couple months to plan yet. Let me think about it, and I’ll let you know if there’s anything you can do. Just promise you’ll bring yourself.”
“I’ll be there,” Lisbon assured him, suddenly excited. “Just get back to me on the other stuff.”
“I will,” her brother told her. “Now, I should go and check that my daughter has actually gone to bed, and isn’t, I don’t know, doing whatever teenagers do.”
“Say good night for me,” Lisbon ordered.
“I will,” Tommy promised. “And thanks again, Reese.”
“Always, you idiot.”
Lisbon could picture her brother smiling at that. “You have a good night too,” he told her with a laugh.
“Night Tommy,” she replied before hanging up her phone.
She smiled at the phone in her hand briefly.
After hanging up, Lisbon glanced around her empty apartment, feeling lonely. She sat down to write a letter to Jane with the intention of distracting herself. It didn’t quite work out as planned because it just made her wish that he was there with her.
But she wrote the letter anyway, because she wanted to tell him about her weekend, and she knew he wanted to hear it. And even if telling him in person would have been better (would have made her apartment seem less quiet), the letter would have to do.
xxx
Dear Jane,
Well, I’m all by my lonesome again.
Annie’s gone. She left earlier today, adamant that she could take the bus and I didn’t have to drive her. Her Dad picked her up at the bus station. He just called. They both got in safe and sound. I was questioned about my decision to take her to the shooting range, but I think Tommy’s okay with it now. He was just a little surprised by it all, I think. He was positively thrilled when I mentioned that I taught Annie how to knock a boy to the ground if necessary. But then, I also apparently bought her too many presents. But I don’t care what he thinks about that. Annie and I had a good time on our shopping trip. That’s all that matters.
Besides, I just got her a few things. And they’re for school. It’s nice to get new things sometimes. I bought a couple things for myself too. I had fun, even if the whole weekend was a little exhausting, but in a good way this time (don’t go offering to send me another stupid sleep schedule).
Anyway, shopping was yesterday afternoon. We ended with dinner (the Mexican restaurant that I knew she’d like), some TV and some cards. Then today was brunch, packing, and getting to the bus station in time. Which we did of course.
Thank you for the spa trip. That was what we did yesterday morning. You didn’t have to do that, but it was very sweet. Relaxing too (which I’m sure was your intention). Annie and I enjoyed ourselves, getting massages and all that good stuff. Really, Saturday was very much a girl’s day out.
Of course, now it’s back to the CBI tomorrow. I hope we get a case. I could use the distraction.
I’m going to send this letter onto Eureka. Don’t know how long you’re staying in Fortuna. Of course, I also don’t know why I’m telling you that. If you get this, you’ll know very well where I sent it. If not, well, you’ll never read the sentence anyway so it doesn’t matter.
Whatever, I’m not changing it. I hope you’re okay.
-Lisbon
x
Lisbon sealed and addressed her letter, setting it on the table next to the door to be mailed the next day. Then she glanced around her apartment, before stalking deliberately over to the television, desperate for some noise.
xxx
Lisbon’s wished for case did in fact arrive on Monday, to her relief. She was driving to Southern California early the next morning with the rest of her team. And with the new case came the crime scene, the interviews, the theories, the suspects, the interrogations, all the usual things. The four day whirlwind was enough to occupy her brain and get her back into the groove of her life.
Lisbon counted that as a win, even if Van Pelt did almost end up hitting their suspect in a car chase. Lisbon decided that the key word in that sentence was “almost.” In the end, no one was hurt, and the suspect was in custody.
Still, smashed up CBI vehicles meant a lot of paperwork, so it was late when she made it back to her apartment once the case was finally closed. Not that she minded. Working late was necessary sometimes. It was part of the job.
But, after a few days of going pretty much nonstop, she was looking forward to relaxing on her couch or in her bathtub.
When she found a letter in her mailbox, Lisbon decided that she’d better at least start with the couch. Wouldn’t want the paper to get soggy after all.
xxx
Crescent City, California,
Dear Lisbon,
I’m on the move again, as you can see. I travelled quite a bit today. All of a sudden I got sick of staying in one place, kicking around Fortuna with nothing to do. The show went well. I enjoyed it for a few days, but then it was done, and I was suddenly just sick of the entire town, so I just got into my car and drove. It’s nice to have that freedom. I drove until I got to Crescent City. It’s a nice little place so far.
It’s different. And that’s what I wanted.
It is a good thing that I stopped in at a few small towns along the way, or I would have missed your second letter. And that would have been a shame.
I see I owe you an apology. I promise never to offer to send you a sleep schedule again. Or to suggest that you want me to keep a dream diary. We will both do our best to get as much sleep as we need, in our different ways. I’m glad that you enjoyed the spa trip though. I hope it was relaxing. I’ve been by the sea lately, and you’re right, that does help you relax. I’m glad I could help.
I’m also glad you had a good weekend with Annie, dear. Don’t bother trying to tell me it was tiring; I can see through you. You had the time of your life. And I’m sure your advice about boys was better than you think. You may feel awkward giving it (and by the way, I don’t know why you think *my* presence in an elevator with you and a crying Van Pelt would have made anything less awkward), but in the end you always have good intentions, and that makes all the difference.
I am texting Annie. I have been for a while, which I suppose is why I never thought to mention it to you. It’s never anything all that important, so I guess it just never came up. It never really occurred to me to try and write her letters. I suspect I’d get the equivalent of an eye-roll in my next text message, whatever that might be. I suppose this is why the art of letter writing is getting lost. But we’re keeping it alive in our own little corner of the world, aren’t we Teresa?
Anyway, Annie texted me a few days ago. First she was smug about having caught me writing you letters. Apparently this is something you catch someone in now, sending a friend a letter. I disregarded that message. Others followed it. I heard all about your class on tackling. And the lessons at the shooting range. And shopping.
Okay, I didn’t hear all about any of those things. I heard the highlights. Only so much you can convey via text message, but I got the picture. She may have bragged that she would now be able to knock me to the ground if she ever saw me. I told her that fact was never in any doubt. After all, I’m hardly a difficult target when it comes to feats of physical strength.
You could certainly get the better on me if it you wanted to. In fact, I seem to recall being punched in the nose more than once over the years...
But that’s not the point. The point is that it sounds like the two of you had a lovely weekend. I’m happy for you Lisbon.
I hope you’ve re-adjusted now. I heard on the radio that the CBI’d been called into a case on the other side of the state. I’m sure that provided the distraction you wanted. Heard it was solved too. Unsurprising, obviously.
I’m glad things are going well for you. I continue on, much the same. I think things are alright though. I hope they are. Let’s both hope for that, shall we? (I know you always do.)
Have a good night, Teresa. I’ll write to you soon. And you know that if you ever need to talk, I’ll listen. Just write me a letter,
As always,
-Patrick
x
Lisbon smiled wistfully. It was a lovely letter. It really was. She yawned.
And she would answer it, just as soon as she had her bath.
xxx
In spite of Jane’s offer to listen, or rather read, whatever she wanted to tell him, the two of them had a bit of a communication breakdown over the next few weeks.
Staring at her map with her reply, Lisbon had tried to guess Jane’s next move. He’d been driving fairly consistently north since he’d left Sacramento following the highway. But if he continued along that route any further, he’d be leaving California. Of course, there was no reason to think that Jane would stay strictly within the borders of the state. He wasn’t bound by CBI jurisdictional issues anymore, after all. Why shouldn’t he cross into Oregon? That was where the highway went. It made the most sense, really.
Lisbon had resolved to follow the highway. Which promptly split right outside of Crescent City.
So, hoping for the best, she’d picked somewhere at random and just mailed her reply.
She’d picked wrong.
Jane had apparently decided not to follow the highway as he’d been doing for weeks and weeks. He had decided to stay in California (for who knows what reason), and had taken some random back roads route across the top of the state.
Lisbon figured it was a miracle he hadn’t gotten irrevocably lost.
His next letter appeared almost a week later and was full of tales of roads in disrepair, of dirt roads where he hadn’t seen another car for ages, of the time he’d thought he’d made a mistake and taken a wrong turn. Reading between the lines, Lisbon was pretty sure he’d slept in his car at least one night during his meanderings (she also gathered that he wasn’t travelling particularly quickly, stopping every time a particularly picturesque tree caught his eye from the sounds of it). The letter itself had been mailed from a town so small, Lisbon’d never even heard of it, somewhere in the middle of the National Forest at the top of the state.
Still, Jane’s letter had been cheerful. He’d gone on and on about how beautiful everything was up there. So Lisbon suspected he was enjoying himself, even if she was at a complete loss as to where to send the next letter. Who knew where his route would take him. He wasn’t driving in anything even resembling a straight line.
She was determined to do her best though. Pulling up her trusty map of California on her laptop, Lisbon decided to send her reply to Fort Jones. It seemed as good a place as any for Jane to emerge from the wilderness in.
A letter arrived two days later from Yreka.
Lisbon scowled as she ripped it open.
Unbelievable, irritating man, just popping up around California whenever it suited him. Ugh.
It was a good thing for him he was halfway across the state. If she saw him in person right, she’d probably punch him in the nose.
He drove around willy-nilly, wherever he damn well pleased, sending her letters, and to send him a freaking reply, she was doing what was basically the equivalent of throwing darts at a map and hoping for the best.
Okay, her method wasn’t quite that bad, but still.
Damn Jane.
x
Yreka, California
Dear Lisbon,
I haven’t found a letter from you in almost two weeks now. I suppose that’s my own fault. My route these past couple weeks hasn’t really followed any kind of a set path. Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m confined to Yreka for the next few days. My poor car started making funny noises on the last leg of my journey. I took it to a mechanic last night, who promptly started shaking his head in a dismal manner (almost certainly as part of lead up to justify charging me what I am sure will be an exorbitant amount for the repairs). I gather that the problem isn’t particularly serious, just something that needs a fair bit of work to sort out.
So I will be spending a little while exactly where I am. Not that I mind, particularly. I was probably due to stop for a few days anyway, try and get my bearings again, or something.
When I do get going, maybe I’ll follow Highway 5 for a while. There really are almost an innumerable places a person could go in this state, many of which I’ve never been to. It’s ridiculous really. Probably high time I got to know my own home state a bit better. It really is different, driving around the state when you’re not going somewhere solely for the purpose of solving a murder. You look at a town a different way, Lisbon. You should try it sometime.
Anyway, I’m off to the restaurant on the corner to grab some dinner. I’ve become rather fond of family-owned restaurants on this trip. There’s something about them when you’re travelling. They’re almost comforting, even if the food is terrible. But it’s worth it, because sometimes the food is fantastic. It’s hit and miss, I guess, just like anything else.
I hope things are going well with you, Teresa. Let me know, if you’re not already too fed up with me and my gallivanting to write back.
-Jane
x
Lisbon was tempted to not write back, just to show him. Stupid Jane.
But she knew an overture when she saw one, and she’d never been particularly good at saying no to Jane, even at the best of times.
Sighing to herself, she wrenched open her drawer and pulled out a sheet of note-paper.
x
Dear Aggravation,
I’m sending this letter to Yreka, and if you’re not there when it arrives and you don’t get it, you have no one to blame but yourself.
Of course you haven’t heard from me in a few weeks. How was I to know you’d cut across northern California taking the scenic route, when any sane person just takes the highway through Oregon? Although, I guess that answers my question. You’re not sane.
Alright, I’m done. After all, it’s not your fault. I knew what I was getting into when I started writing to you. We both knew that this correspondence wouldn’t always be exactly regular. It is what it is.
So instead of complaining, I will tell you that I’m doing well. Things are much the same here. You sound like you enjoyed your little detour through the forest, for all that your poor car didn’t. I just hope that thing doesn’t decide to completely fall apart on you one of these days. I can just picture you sitting in it while the wheels and doors just fall right off, like in a cartoon. I’ve had my doubts about it over the years. Of course, then it always goes and proves me wrong, so I guess all I can do is hope that it continues to do so.
I know you’re not going to become sensible about that thing all of a sudden, that’s for sure.
Sarah and Connor stopped by to see Rigsby the other day at work. He’s growing like a weed, and he’s into everything. Not that anybody minded, of course. We were keeping a pretty close eye on him. He’s such a happy little fellow, always cheerful. Guess he takes after his Dad that way. They’re really adorable together. I’m sending you a picture (Rigsby and Sarah just got some new ones taken), which is another reason you’d better be where you say you are.
Van Pelt’s started seeing someone new. He seems nice. He’s an architect. I don’t know much about him. I think they met playing ultimate Frisbee, or something. As far as I know, there’s nothing new with Cho, although sometimes it’s hard to tell.
I need to do laundry, but I’m not going to. I think I’m going to watch TV instead. Laundry can wait. I’m sorry that my life isn’t very exciting today, sometimes it’s like that.
Until next time (and yes, I will keep writing. I promise)
Teresa
x
After that, the letters came and went more regularly again. Jane’s reply was full of abuse on the subject of his mechanic, who had indeed charged him a ridiculous amount for what, according to Jane, was really a minor repair.
Lisbon pretended to be sympathetic. She was fairly certain he wasn’t fooled.
He thanked her for the photo of little Connor, agreeing that he was very like his father.
She told him about how some idiot nearly ran right into her with his car when she did her grocery shopping, and about how work had been busy lately, and seemed to be piling up. She talked about her day, how she was doing, asked him about his travels.
And sometimes she told him about her family.
X
Dear Jane,
I heard from Annie today. Apparently I have graduated from being cool Aunt Teresa to being The Best Aunt Ever. She took my advice, such as it was, and the boy in her class took the hint. They’re going to the movies this weekend. I hope it works out. It’s her first real date and all that.
Mine was a bit of a disaster. I wouldn’t wish it on her. Neither I, nor the guy I was with could think of a single thing to say to each other. Thank goodness we were going to a movie and didn’t have to talk for most of it. Needless to say, the relationship didn’t exactly blossom. It was so very awkward. That’s the point of first dates though, I guess. Still, I hope Annie’s date goes better. It’s on Friday.
Of course, I got a call from Tommy a couple of hours after I talked to his daughter. He was in a panic. I was berated for not telling him about this. Apparently it’s all my fault, and all due to my encouragement. I nodded along while he ranted, making encouraging noises whenever appropriate. Then I was forced to point out that he couldn’t ground Annie for life because she wanted to go to the movies with a boy, nor could he drive Dylan out to the desert and threaten him with bodily harm if he ever hurt Annie. However, I did remind Tommy that he was well within his rights to tell Dylan all about his job, and what he did for a living. I never thought I’d say this, but my brother being a bounty hunter has some definite advantages. Particularly when it comes to putting the fear of god into teenage boys who want to date my niece.
Tommy thought so too. He sounded much more cheerful when he hung up the phone. I just hope he doesn’t overdo it on the protective Dad front. I don’t think he will. He was just freaking out a little.
It probably says something that my niece’s love life is more interesting than my own, but what can you do? There’s something to be said for living vicariously through a teenager. I wouldn’t want to go through it again myself, but it’s definitely interesting.
How are you? Staying out of trouble I hope. Because between trying to deal with Annie’s excitement and nervousness, trying to talk Tommy down from a ledge, and trying to, you know, catch actual murderers, I find myself a little busy this week.
I hope things are going well for your own sake obviously too.
Love Lisbon
x
Jane’s reply came a few days later.
x
Weed, California,
Dear Teresa,
Ah, young love. There is something kind of fascinating about it, isn’t there? Although, I can’t say I’m upset that those days are behind me. Life is complicated enough without everything being so all-consuming, every little thing being either wonderful or catastrophic.
Still, I hope Annie enjoys her little romance. Which, by the way, you are no longer allowed to say that you give terrible advice. Not if this is what results from it. Don’t scoff at me Teresa. We both know you’re a romantic at heart, underneath that prickly exterior (which isn’t always so prickly, but that’s another story all together).
It sounds like you’ve got your hands full trying to keep your brother sane. I wish you luck with that. If nothing else, this whole thing has obviously brought the two of you closer. It’s nice to hear you so happy. And I told you to give bounty hunting a chance. Nothing can be all bad. Poor Dylan. If that boy sticks it out, he might be a keeper.
You’ll be happy to know that I’m keeping out of trouble. My car is working again, obviously. No problems there. She’s always gotten me where I’ve wanted to go, even if others cruelly roll their eyes. I’m going to stand by her.
Do you know that Weed, California used to have the world’s largest sawmill? There is also a sawmill museum here now. I think tourism is the town’s major industry at this point though. It’s an interesting little town to pass through. Very pretty, but then, much of California is. I enjoyed my day here. Where, as I said, I kept out of trouble. So you don’t need to worry about me.
Go back to worrying about your brother and your niece for the time being, dear.
Yours,
Jane
x
Lisbon grinned and sat down immediately to reply. After all, she had the rest of the story to tell Jane now. He’d no doubt enjoy it.
x
Dear Jane,
Annie’s date with Dylan went well. Which is nice. It wasn’t anything like my disaster of a first date. It probably helped that the two of them already talked to each other pretty frequently beforehand. I talked to her a little yesterday. I was very casual, trying to keep up the front of Cool Aunt Teresa. Hard though, given my curiosity. I didn’t get many details, and I’m not passing the ones I did get along, confidentiality and all that. But I can tell you that they went to the movie, which was good. Then he bought her ice cream, and they talked. According to Annie he’s very nice and funny. And she thinks he liked her.
I’m guessing he does, because apparently there are already whispers of a second date, possibly for next weekend. Which is nice. As long as she’s happy.
Tommy is still trying not to have a coronary. I think he feels a little bit better now that he’s actually met Dylan. Tommy’s definitely comforted by the fact that he’s pretty sure he managed to strike fear into Dylan’s heart with all his tales of bounty hunting, and chasing suspects across California with a trunk full of firearms. He seemed particularly pleased about that last bit when he called to tell me about his success in scaring the crap out of a high school student.
Annie told me why later. Apparently Tommy didn’t limit himself to stories about Annie’s bounty hunter Dad. Turns out Tommy also mentioned Annie’s favourite Aunt Lisbon who works for the CBI, catches murderers for a living, and taught Annie how to knock a man twice her size to the ground without breaking a sweat. Nice to know I can help in scaring the crap out of a teenager.
Well, it’s good enough for him. He’d better not hurt her.
Annie was unimpressed with her father’s behaviour. I maintained a diplomatic silence on that point. Anyway, Annie was too excited to pay her Dad too much attention.
I’m glad you’re enjoying Weed (what a name!), and your car is still miraculously running.
I think I’m going to go hiking this weekend, just for a change. The weather’s been so nice.
Until next time,
-L
x
With that, Lisbon addressed her letter with a satisfied smile. She’d already decided that Mount Shasta seemed like a likely place for Jane to stop on his travels. It was so much easier to keep track of him when he drove in a straight line.
xxx
TBC