Erica Flynn was back. The woman who murdered her own husband in cold blood wanted to ”help” with your current case. She wanted some free time in exchange for her information but everyone knew—she was going to try and escape.

The worst part? Patrick Jane entertained it. Her. You knew Jane was smart. He clearly knew what she was up to yet he still laughed along with her quippy retorts and let her hang off his arm when they went out. It didn’t help that she obviously still believed that Patrick was madly obsessed with her.

Lisbon seemed to be the only one who was just as bothered as you were with Erica hanging around headquarters, but there was nothing you could do. Not when Jane still had her around.

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“Where’s Erica? Getting a mani-pedi?” Lisbons voice hits your ears from where you sit at your desk. You glance over to where Jane and Lisbon were now conversing. Jane sits comfortably on the couch, looking through photos for possible clues while Lisbon stands a few feet away, unamused. You can’t help but feel the same way from where you sit, pretending not to listen.

“How’d you know?” Jane smiles easily, seemingly unbothered by her lack of fondness for Mrs. Flynn.

“Alright, this is getting ridiculous. Erica’s served her purpose. It’s time to bring her back to prison.” Lisbon states coolly, with only a the slightest hint of annoyance. Why was Erica still around anyway?

“Oh, we can’t do that.” Patrick is quick to answer, dismissing the idea altogether. Before you could even think it, Lisbon is already replying with the words— “Why not?”

“I need her.” Jane’s words effectively end the conversation despite the casual way he said them. Your stomach twists and you suddenly can’t bear to be in the same room. You quietly leave, which grabs the consultants attention but he stays planted where he sits. Despite his curiosity.

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It was time for Erica to go. The car and cop were here to pick her up and you feel a content relief almost settle in your bones. You watch from the awning where you stand beneath, unable to hear the conversation that Jane and Flynn share. She leans in and kisses his cheek, making your insides churn with dread. Not because she kissed him, no- but because even from afar, you knew their was something unsaid between them. Something you must’ve missed.

Afterwards, the cop carefully places her in the car and drives away… when another car pulls up, with an official guard ready to take her it’s then that it dawns on you that she had escaped. You catch the smile of amusement dancing on Jane’s features and the way he doesn’t at all seem perturbed.

Something horrible, like the weight of a leaden anchor settles on your heart, making you feel pained in the worst way possible. If you felt like a manipulative cold hearted killer like Erica had a better chance at winning Jane over… then what were you even doing?