The River With a Crimson Current-The Mentalist

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Teresa Lisbon

We pull into the parking lot and head inside. There's a few people sat in plastic chairs coughing and sneezing, waiting for their appointments, they're going to be waiting a long time if their doctor is Dr Michaels.

We walk to the receptionist who's sat at her desk.

"Hello. How can I help?" She asks in a strong italian accent.

"We're with the CBI. My colleague and I were hoping to have a look around Menna Michaels' office."

"Oh yes... I heard on news. She killed?'"

"Yes ma'am. She is... I'm sorry for your loss." I give a backward glance to Jane.

"... Mama Mia..." She mumbles. I turn my attention away from sending telepathic messages to Jane and back to the woman.

"Could we please have a look in her office?"

"Yes, yes. Please, this way."

We follow her down the corridor to a room. She holds the door open for us and Jane and I nod our heads gratefully. I quickly scan the room, noticing the computer. Jane ventures further in but I hold back, waiting for the lady to leave. I stare at her and raise my eyebrows. She finally takes my subtle hint and walks away, shutting the door after her. Jane looks up from studying something on a shelf and we both watch each other. Then suddenly rush over to the computer, both wanting to get there first. He does, obviously, after blocking me with his arm. He sits on the swivel chair and takes out the notebook then turns to the back cover. He types the password awkwardly into the computer, jabbing at the keys on the keyboard, then clicks enter. Whilst he's waiting for it to load he spins around on the leather seat. When the screen pops up so does he, his aqua blue eyes alert and shining.

I rest an arm on the back of the chair and lean in closer as he does too. This computer is slightly different to the ones we have back at CBI...

We finally get something useful onto the screen. It's a list of Menna Michaels' patients. One name in the list stands out at me.

"Uh, Jane. Click on that one," I point to the name.

"Adam O'Donnel?"

"Yeah. Him."

He clicks on O'Donnel then I bring out the documents that I'd taken from Michaels' apartment.

"What are those?" He asks, looking up at me. "Did you steal evidence Lisbon?"

"No, I just needed to study them."

"You should have gloves on Lisbon."

He's finding this whole thing a huge joke.

"Oh God, Jane! Not that again!"

"Well yes, that again. You're a hypocrite. You should be ashamed," he shakes his head and tuts in disapproval. We both stop in our tracks and look at the door in surprise. It opens and the receptionist is stood before us agian. She sees us both looking guilty then notices the computer.

"What are you doing?" She asks. "Sir, you are not allowed to go on computer. Doctor, patient confidentiality." She speed walks over and ushers him out of the seat.

"Ma'am, we're allowed. We are officers of the law," I explain slowly.

"I need proof."

I show her my badge and then she looks expectantly at Jane.

"Oh. Me too?" He points at himself. She nods and he starts feeling around for his card. "Uh... Okay..." He searches his pockets and then pulls out his CBI card. She takes it from him and studies it carefully then hands it back, still seeming to be a little unsure. Jane starts making hand gestures and motions for me to talk when she turns her back. I cotton onto his plan quite quickly and do as he says.

"Ma'am, we have a warrant," I lie. She turns to look at me, her back to Jane.

"Yes we do..." he says. She briefly glances at him but then turns back to me.

"A warrant?" She asks. I watch her but focus on Jane behind her who has reassumed his position in the seat. He nods at me to carry on.

"Yes. A document allowing us to search these premises."

"Document..."

"Issued to us by a legal official."

Jane meanwhile is frantically studying the computer and comparing the names on the papers from the apartment, to the ones on the screen.

"Hmm... Okay," she says.

Jane stands up behind her and slides the papers into his jacket pocket.

"Do you think we could ask you a few questions..?" He waits for a name.

"Carla. Carla Benito."

"Carla," he finishes.

"Of course."

"Where were you last night?" He asks.

"... Um... At my home."

"With anyone?" I add in. I need to make this as simple and as clear as possible.

"No. I was alone." She looks at me waiting for another question. Jane bounces on his toes and looks pensive. He lifts a finger and taps it against his chin.

"Uh... May I ask where you're from?"

"I was born in Italy."

"Ah. Italy. I thought so."

She grunts but smiles in reply.

"Anything else?"

"Nope. That'll be all," he answers.

She leads us out of the room and back to the main door.

"We'll be seeing you," I say to her, then Jane and I walk out to the parking lot.

"They were all on the system," he says referring to the names, then hands me the documents. "You'll be interested to know that Peter Brinston had an appointment the evening before Menna was killed."

"Good work," I smile and knock him on the shoulder. He grins back modestly.

I take out my phone and dial Rigsby who's back at the office.

"I'll get Cho and Rigsby to do a search. See whether the men are on the criminal database."

"You do what you do best Lisbon."

"Care to enlighten me?"

He grins like a Cheshire cat.

"Hand out orders and be totally badass."

"Hmm..." I smirk back at him and do, what I apparently, do best.