The River With a Crimson Current-The Mentalist

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty

Grace Van Pelt

I lean back in my chair and glance around the dimly lit bullpen. I'm the last one left, but Jane and Lisbon are in her office sat at the table. They play a game of cards, chat, then start a new game; an endless cycle that's taken up a couple of hours now.

I yawn and look at the time on my computer, it's getting pretty late. I switch off the plugs at my desk then pull my jacket on and grab my briefcase. On my way to the elevator I swing by Boss' office to wish them goodnight.

"I'm off, I'll see you tomorrow," I say.

"Goodnight," Jane replies.

"Van Pelt," Boss calls before I leave. "Take a day off tomorrow, I'll let you know if there's a new case."

"Really? Okay, thanks! Goodnight."

As I walk out the last thing I hear is Jane complaining to Lisbon.

"How come she gets a day off?"

"Because she works, and you don't."

"But-"

Thankfully I'm out of earshot by then and quickly rush towards the elevator hoping I can exit the building before she changes her mind. When the doors open I go inside and click the button for the ground floor, grinning to myself. Hopefully murderers will postpone their next killing for twenty four hours...

When I get to my house I throw my bag onto the sofa and head straight upstairs to prepare a bath. Normally I have to cope with cold showers in the morning because I don't have time to wait for the water to heat up. But tonight I'll treat myself. And in the morning I'm going to have a lie in.

As I wait for the bath to fill I grab my phone and find a text from Wayne staring up at me.

Wayne Rigsby, 9:56PM:

We have a day off tomorrow. Want to join me? ;) xxx

I contemplate what he means...

9:58PM:

Sure. Where were you thinking? xxx

Wayne Rigsby, 9:59PM:

How about your place? I haven't got Ben :D

I read the last message and consider why luck is on my side. We both love Ben, but a day without him would be so nice for us.

10:01PM:

I look forward to it xxx

Wayne Rigsby, 10:03PM:

Enjoy your bath baby. I'll see you tomorrow xxx

He knows me too well... Or he just spends too much time with Jane... Either way, I just hope the killers out there find a tiny bit of decency in their hearts to allow me to have a whole day off work...