Post-Iron Maiden Barbeque

Who: Jane, Lisbon, Pete, Samantha

What: Conversation at CBI and BBQ at the carnival

When: Just before "Red John's Rules" S5,E22

Where: CBI and the carnival layover spot in Carson Springs

Why: Conversations and Jane's back-story

Disclaimer: The author owns nothing related to The Mentalist show, characters, etc.

What would a "normal" outing with Jane be like? And can Lisbon finally learn more about Jane's carny days?

Slightly AU in that Jane gets an apartment before resolving Red John.

Chapter 1 - The Invitation

The sun balanced precariously on the eastern horizon as Lisbon pulled into the CBI lot. Getting out of the car, she glimpsed the Beast and then Jane himself. Did he drive in? He slept at his hotel room?

He stood stock still, facing into the cool, fall breeze, head and shoulders back, eyes closed and lips slightly parted in pure pleasure. The sun backlit a corona of jumbled bronze curls. Perfectly relaxed, present in the moment, he was, finally, again beautiful. No neck brace or ugly bruises. No sign of the all-but-unbearable strain of hunting Red John. No wrenching sorrow and guilt. This was the man as he was meant to be. A lump caught in her throat and she chided herself for sentimentality.

Recognizing her footsteps, "'Morning Lisbon. Gorgeous day." He turned to face her.

Smiling her agreement, "Beautiful weather. No more neck brace?"

"The iron maiden and I have parted company for good." Anticipating her question, Jane answered, "Yes, the doc did x-rays. Everything's mended. Done with him, too."

"No wonder you're in a good mood." Lisbon reached up and barely brushed the back of his neck. "How's your neck?"

"Great. No pain. A bit stiff, but that'll pass. Don't know yet if physical therapy is worthwhile."

With a wide smile, "Good to see you healthy again. Why so early today?"

"Done sleeping. Thought I'd work out some kinks at the gym. It's been an awfully rigid two months." He started walking toward the entrance. "I have a few loose ends on my... project but I'm at a standstill till some information comes in next week. So I thought I'd catch up with everyone. Why are you here? Five a.m. is a bit much even for the driven and dedicated."

"Murderers are taking a breather. I'm grinding through my backlog of reports. If I focus, I'll finish every last one by noon."

"Ugh. Spending your life writing reports. Each to his own."

"Excuse me! Just where do you think those Red John files you use come from?"

"Yeah, he's a serial killer so it's an open case. Most of the time it's a one-off homicide. The reports are filed and never seen again."

"Unless the case is re-opened–like Renfrew, for instance," she said tartly, reminding him of a case he'd re-opened a few years back.

"Hoped you wouldn't think of that. Knew I was losing this one."

She smiled sweetly. "Yes, you did."

"Moving on. So you'll be done by noon. Excellent! Let's celebrate with lunch in San Francisco. There's a new Thai restaurant I'd love to try."

"Carol from Accounting was raving about a Thai place in 'Frisco. What's the name and address?"

"Don't recall – it's in my GPS. Speaking of address, I have to text everyone my new address."

"You're moving from the extended-stay place?"

"Moved. Rented an apartment last weekend."

"Because?"

He shrugged. "Bookcases. Eggs at two a.m. if I want. Desk for personal business." Harder for Red John to find me.

"Well, corral the gang if you want help setting up."

"No need. Everything's done."

Lisbon frowned and stepped in front of him, bringing him up short. Voice taut with anger, "You just got the brace off for a broken neck. And you're moving furniture? Alone? I don't believe you!" Lisbon was upset at the risks he took on cases. She was suspicious the car crash that broke his neck wasn't an accident. There was zero patience left for stupidly risky behavior where Jane was concerned.

Startled, defensive, "Stay calm. I-I threw money at it. For a few hundred extra, the store sets up when they deliver. The most strenuous thing I did was hang a picture." Lisbon backed off and stepped aside. They resumed walking.

"It's not like you ever do anything risky, of course," she said sarcastically.

"Who me?" at which Lisbon elbowed him in the ribs. "And now you abuse your newly-healed consultant?"

Dryly. "Your neck was broken. Not your ribs."

"Anyhow, healed is healed. Do you know fractures eventually attain the same strength as the surrounding bone? Not true that a healed fracture is stronger, however. I've been reading up." Dazzling smile. "See you at twelve."

~.~.~.~

Noon arrived followed shortly by Jane. Lisbon straightened her desk and slipped on her jacket.

"Who's driving?"

"My GPS. My car. Me."

Lisbon groaned. "Promise not to speed."

"For you, anything." He winked. "I'll be reasonable, anyhow." They settled into their seats, silent until Jane turned onto the expressway.

"Lisbon. Samantha and Pete are having a barbeque this weekend. It's traditional at the end of the carny circuit. Join me."

Lisbon's initial smile faded to uncertainty. "Umm. I'm still police. Won't that be awfully awkward, especially with Samantha?"

"Police is what you do, not who you are. She knows you better now."

Frowning. "Why would that help? Since Sam met me I've held Pete at gunpoint and threatened to shoot Danny."

Jane slyly glanced her way with an annoying, superior grin. "How little you know of mysterious carny ways. When Sam called with the invite she said be sure to bring 'Pepper.'" When they first met, Sam told Lisbon she looked like Cagney and Lacey had a baby and called it "Pepper."

"Why would she do that?"

"You didn't hassle them for lying to you about official business. And you gave Danny a break. That showed her you're not a stereotypical cop. That's huge for Sam. You're kind of–" he paused, searching for the right characterization, "honorary family now. You'll see."

Lisbon shrugged and smiled, oddly pleased. "Then I'd love to come. I'll bring pies. How many people?"

"Pete and Sam, you and me for sure. Their kids James and Luke and his family are invited, but I don't know if they'll be able to come. Plus I think Sam's watching a baby and a toddler." Jane raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I didn't know you bake. Blueberry pie?"

"You're shameless. Okay, one will be blueberry. Baking is just one of many things you don't know about me," renewing their running argument.

"I'll pick you up Saturday around eleven."