A/N: "Angela, you promised us an epilogue over a month ago!" I know, and I'm sorry. I didn't know exactly where I was going with it, but now I do.

And I am going with ShellGrad's advice, and doing a sequel instead. So, please forgive me… *Begs*

Disclaimer: I don't own the Mentalist. However, I dare the writers to say they own the idea for this upcoming episode. (Ex boyfriend Craig, Ex fiancé Greg? Yeah, that was totally not a copy.) Oh, well. I have no complaints. :-)

Jane should have been happy. He knew that. He was sitting on her couch, watching TV with the woman he loved, who loved him as well. He had just eaten a wonderful dinner that he cooked, and they had, earlier that day, closed a case.

A cold case, at that. It was always satisfying to bring closure to a family, especially so if they've been waiting months, even years, for it.

So, all in all, he knew it was a good day.

But he felt sad.

And he knew why.

It was because of Red John.

Because of Red John, he couldn't lean over and kiss Teresa, no matter how cute she looked critiquing the logic of the crime show.

Because of Red John, he couldn't put a diamond on her finger.

Because of Red John, he and Teresa were still forced into loneliness.

He groaned and shifted, forcing himself to pay attention to the TV again.

As the detective spun around the room, excitingly realizing what any good detective would have known a good half hour before, he felt her snuggle against his side.

He smiled involuntarily.

She had no idea…

"I just wish…" He hadn't realized he was speaking until she turned her head to look at him.

"Wish what?"

He hesitated, before admitting, "I just wish Red John wasn't…wasn't a problem. I wish…"

"I know. But one day, we'll catch him."

"What if we don't?" He didn't mean for the amount of anger in his voice, but it didn't seem to faze her.

"We will."

"If he decides to stop killing, we've got no way to catch him. And if we don't catch him…" He looked at her sadly.

She chewed her lip.

It got his attention.

That was her nervous habit…She was uncertain about something.

"What is it?"

She met his eyes and sighed. "I have an idea about how to catch Red John…"

"Oh?"

"Yeah…But you're not going to like it."

"Nonsense. If it helps us get to Red John, I'm willing."

Lisbon closed her eyes for a moment. Finally, she took a deep breath. "You're in?"

He raised an eyebrow. "It would probably be helpful, my dear, if I knew the plan first"

She sighed. Then, she leaned up and whispered in his ear.

"No. No, absolutely not."

"Why not? It's sure to work."

"Sure to draw him out, yes, but it's too dangerous."

"Not if we tell the team."

He stared at her, incredulous. "We can't."

"Why not, Jane? They won't report it, and otherwise, I probably die."

"Not if I don't let you do it in the first place."

"But I want to. I want this to be over."

"Well, so do I, but-"

"No buts, Jane. If you want this to be over, if you want Red John caught, this is the only way."

He took a deep breath, thinking. She was right, of course-There was no other way bait sure to draw him out-But did he really want to risk her?

Her eyes met his, begging.

And that was how he found himself saying "Ok."

A/N: "Angela, you didn't tell us what the plan is!" I know. That's what we call a…Ah…Oh, yes. Cliffhanger.

"But Angela, we want to know!"

Really? There's a magical button right down there-I'm sure you see it. If you press it, I will magically know that you're curious.

If you click it, I'll be happy! :-)

Seriously, thanks for reading, and God Bless.