Patrick Jane woke to the soft sound of sniffing, reaching a hand out only to find the space in the bed next to him not just empty, but also cold.

"Teresa?"

The light of the moon shone through the small gap in the curtains of the hotel room Abbott had insisted they stay in for the night, outlining her small silhouette. He watched as she swiped at her eyes, clearing her throat slightly before daring to speak.

"I just needed a glass of water."

He studied her in the semi light, frowning when she made no move to join him.

Jane sat up, patting the mattress beside him, "Come to bed."

She let out a shuddering sigh, "I just want to go home."

"I know," he told her, "But Abbott's right. We're safer here. Even without me doing media yet, we've been seen on crime scene footage often enough for this guy to figure out who we are"

He knew she understood the reasoning - even knew that other agents who'd been working at the crime scenes, were holed up a few doors down on the same floor.

Jane saw, rather than heard her reaction to his words - knew she was crying and trying not to let him see.

He got out of bed, moving to stand beside her at the window, seeing the fear on her face when she finally turned to face him.

"I don't want you to do it."

"I know. I don't really want to do it myself," he admitted.

"So don't," she begged him tearily, "just don't."

Jane sighed, brushing a tear from her cheek, "We're out of options, this is the logical step. You know that… this isn't like you."

Lisbon turned away from him, "Forgive me for not wanting my boyfriend to get hacked up by a serial killer," she snapped.

"I won't be," he insisted, running a hand up and down her back, "You're going to be there with me, every step of the way. I trust you with my life…. There's something else going on here. I can count the number of times I've seen you this upset on the fingers of one hand.."

"I'm tired, Jane. I'm tired and I'm stressed. It's been a tough few weeks since Vega died."

He winced at the obvious implication, "I didn't make it any easier with my disappearing act, and I'm sorry….I promise you, I'm not going anywhere, ever again," he reached for her hand "come to bed, you need to rest."

Lisbon allowed herself to be led back to bed, positioning herself with her head on Jane's shoulder and her hand on his heart.

"Please don't do it…" she whispered.

Jane wrapped his arms around her, "You know I have to.. I'm sorry…"

He felt her tighten her grip on him and he planted a quick kiss on the top of her head.

He'd been through this media circus in pursuit of a serial killer once before. He'd made mistakes that had cost him Angela and Charlotte. This time, the stakes were just as high, but this time he was prepared.

Or so he thought.