Consultant for the CBI: a vocation for Patrick Jane

Chapter 4

There was a moment of silence, during which the team stared at her, surprised.

-Can I know why you are staring at me like that?
-Tt’s odd to hear you say that we need help. You are the last person who asks for it. It’s weird, said Cho.
-Listen up, I have the feeling that this man is going to kill again, and we can only count on Patrick Jane’s help to close that case. I want you to know that I don’t want to do that, but it’s a need. Yes, we need help, you all heard me, and under any circumstance we will have some.

She didn’t even realise that she had pronounced this speech. She had talked like on stage, articulating, seriously. She lied on a point: she was happy to see Mr. Jane again. But she did everything to hide it. Later, as no one had found anything, she locked up in her office and dialled the phone number Van Pelt gave her. He didn’t answer and she was relieved: she didn’t dare talking to him directly and she knew that if he had picked up she would have babbled a few words and he wouldn’t have taken her seriously. Thus, she left a very clear message:

Good afternoon Mr Jane, it is the Agent Teresa Lisbon from the CBI. I noticed your abilities to observe during our meeting and hum... (she hesitated a bit)as a matter of fact you could bring us some help for an investigation. We don’t have clues nor witnesses anymore…and the killing we’re facing could be the first of a serial killer. We would be grateful if you accepted. You can call me back so we can take an appointment. Thank you for listening that message. See you soon, perhaps.

When she hanged up, a smile lightened her face. She was looking forward to seeing that joy, that malicious air again. She spent the rest of the day the eyes focused on her phone. Cho, Rigsby and Van Pelt decided to eat together, but Lisbon declined the offer and went back home alone. Well, not exactly alone: she was holding her cell phone in her right hand.

On the team

They were having dinner in a little restaurant in the centre of Sacramento. Obviously, they began to talk about the work:

-How do you do when there are serial killings? Asked Van Pelt who had never lived such an experience.
-Well, answered Cho, we first look for links between the murders, then try to anticipate the next one. If we can, we call the SWAT, you know what I mean. If we can’t, well, there is another murder and it’s sad to say but we hope it will give us more clues.
-You have to be quick, always in contact with the team, continued Rigsby. You have to work a lot, it already happened to work all night long. It’s an intense period but you don’t even have the time to realize. You always have to be on your guard, ready to go through the city to interrogate someone. It’s not great to say that, but I think it’s a big experience. You realize how useful you job is, especially when it’s about young victims.
-Thanks…It’s…Intense must be the right word.
-I can’t believe Lisbon asked for help, said Cho, thoughtful.
-I still don’t know her enough but everyone can have weaknesses. I understand her: we’re stuck!
-But it’s Lisbon! Insisted Kimball. Since I know her she NEVER asked for help. Even when she has to fill in all the paperwork she doesn’t ask us to help. How many times did I went home at 8:00 PM, leaving her in her office with dozens of papers to fill in. She surprises me.

Rigsby still hadn’t reacted. He had a little smile and soon burst out laughing.

-In my opinion, she’s not looking for help. Grace, you’re a woman, you’ve seen Mr. Jane. He’s attractive, no?
-Yes it’s true, he’s handsome.
-You don’t think Lisbon is doing that for Patrick Jane, do you?
-It’s my theory. You can think whatever you want, but for me that’s the reason. A beautiful love story between Teresa Lisbon and Patrick Jane!
-Don’t be foolish, said Kimball, smiling.

They spent the rest of the night talking about anything and everything, but especially laughing and relaxing. Because they knew perfectly well that the day that were about to come were not going to be very joyful.

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Big chapter for you guys! Thanks for your patience! ♡