A/N - I got this idea while reading a story by StarDuchess, who in turn got this idea from a challenge from 100 quills. One word = one chapter. (All definitions are from Merriam Webster unless otherwise noted.) If you like the chapter/story, please let me know, it keeps the muse happy. If you don't like it, please let me know, it lets the muse grow and learn.

Thanks for stopping by,
k

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BROKEN
/ˈbrō-kən/ adjective.
Violently separated into parts.
Not complete or full.

The enormity of the situation hits Patrick Jane squarely in the chest, effectively pushing all of the oxygen out of his lungs, as he quietly steps onto the dilapidated porch. The gravity of their conversation weighs heavily on him as he replays it in his mind. The sadness and pain in her eyes does not go unnoticed by him. Neither does the tension and emotion underlying her carefully chosen words.

He grits his teeth as he comes to terms with the reality that in his crazed need to have his vengeance, to catch the man who had murdered his wife and child years ago, he has blindly and foolishly flung another woman he cares deeply for in front of harm's way. He has all but gift wrapped her for him.

Red John had been there; listening to their conversations, watching the events unfold right in front of him on the surveillance televisions. It makes Patrick want to scream in agony, in frustration that his nemesis now knows Teresa Lisbon's face. That he now knows her voice. That he now knows her.

It maddens Patrick to know that she is no longer safe from Red John or his wrath, but he knows what he must do to protect his dear Lisbon, even though it will break his already broken heart further.

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Next: Attention