A/N and Disclaimer. First off, not that it matters, but I don't own Lie To Me, no one does right, because someone got it in their heads that a percentage drop in viewing meant they should cancel one of the most unique and clever shows on television. But as for series 1-3... I don't own them, or the characters either. Just as well.
I would like to say thank you to the countless numbers of authors, including but not just: LightWoman, Starbuck0322 and divakat whose works spurred me to write my own. And to the amazing work of fanvid creators on youtube who remind me every day of the chemistry between these two characters (but also my complete bafflement as to why that chemistry was so restrained by the shows writers)
Also, be aware that I've written out of my comfort zone for Cal's prose. I normally write very particularly, however when it comes to Cal and that cockney accent, I think it's sometimes nice to be reminded of his particular wording of certain words. Therefore I have on occasion written such words as "gotta" or "'cause", it's just my way of expressing pronunciation.
(BTW This hasn't been Beta'd so apologies for typo's)
Anyway, on with the show...
Every time
"So tell me again... who is she?" They were in the video room, watching in to the Cube with fascination, Ria had leant in to Loker so that her boss wouldn't overhear.
His face fixed on the cube's window "She's the British version of you," he replied turning to Ria smiling. Torres' reaction was understandable; anger, resentment, he could see them so easily in her.
"I wouldn't worry though, this started in England, so don't be jealous. She's probably only here because of that." Ria's mask went back up as he watched.
"I'm not worried." She lied.
"Plus Lightman's known her for years, since he found her, she's been studying like mad. Apparently... she's got a close-to-genius IQ. Just never applied it to anything until LIghtman." He grinned maliciously knowing how much he was twisting her inside.
"So you're telling me," she tried to keep her voice barely above a whisper "that not only does she have m talent but she is a student of the craft too? Jeez, thanks Loker, what would I have to be worried about?"
"What are you kids whispering about?" Cal had walked in to the room, and could see their heads bent low together.
"Your new side kick boss" Eli replied returning upright in his chair and looking straight at the new woman.
"Oh she's here then eh? Typical of Foster to steal her away". He left and they watched as he walked around to the door to the Lightman interrogation room.
The woman they were referring to stood in the Cube looking around, impressed by what she saw, Gillian was clearly showing her the privacy levels installed when he walked through the door all beams and smiles for his friend.
"Rachel, love." He took her in an embrace and Gillian watched as they both sank in to each other in comfortable reunion. He pulled away first, not letting go of the brunette but pulling back to get a good look at her face. "You don't look any older, it's been what 8 years? Bugger darlin', how do you do it?" She was clearly flattered by the compliment.
"It's all the happiness I bring into people's lives Cal, it keep's me young." She gave a playful smile at him, which he returned.
"Must be talking 'bout in the sack then love, 'cause God knows, you rarely give happy news at work." They released the embrace as she continued to stare at the room.
Foster had noticed the total contrast in Rachel's accent to Cal's and had pried from the younger woman that she had lived in the Yorkshire country as a child and studied in Manchester since meeting Lightman. Whilst her accent didn't have the harsh edge Cal's could have to it, it seemed deeper, more ingrained in her being, you could almost hear the land in her voice.
She had golden brown hair with a touch of red which ran past her shoulders, straight with enough play and bounce to make it sway when she moved, which she often did. Her face was small, heart shaped with soft large lips. Freckles, much like Gillian's own, played across her face and her high collarbone and bare arms. Taller than Gillian, even in her heels, she didn't walk with any of the confidence Cal did. She had a swagger but she obviously tried to keep it in check.
Foster had met the new arrival at the doors to the Lightman Group, Ben Reynolds having kindly brought her from the airport. From the big smiles he was sporting when they entered, she'd obviously made an impression. Gillian found her to be pretty, but understatedly so.
She was wearing a short sleeved pale blue shirt and straight tailored trousers with black patent leather kitten heels. All in all, an attractive woman. Cal had mentioned she was in her late thirties but could have easily passed fro ten years younger. Gillian noticed no wedding ring, her only jewellery some small stud earrings.
"You have an amazing place Cal. Dr Foster has been showing me the intricacies, while you're protégés keep a close eye on me" Off to the left everyone saw shuffling from the video feed room.
"But then again, I suppose to some I would be considered competition, eh Cal!" Her smile was blatent, Gillian mirrored it, knowing Ria would be squirming in her seat. In actuality, she was referring to the Lightman Group itself, Rachel, had a well known department as part of the British Government which handled similar cases to those studied by Foster and Lightman.
"Yes love, always gotta keep an eye on the competition! He stepped towards the glass walls "Go do some work you two." He shouted, he could see in the darkness Torres and Loker slinking off towards their respective rooms. "I've got it from here Foster thanks." He barely took his eyes of the woman, he was soaking in her non-verbal praise. Gillian felt almost reluctant to leave them.
"OK, well Miss Mason," she stepped forward to shake her hand, "I look forward to working with you on the case." Rachel grasped her hand gently and shook it.
"Thank you, me too. And it's Rachel." She smiled.
Cal's face was beaming by the time Gillian left. Knowing Foster was unable to hear them she whispered, "She's gorgeous Cal. Now I see why you're hiding her over here." Cal's smile dropped a fraction at the intonation in her voice.
"Yeah I know, did you actually meet Torres and Loker? Or were they just mildly stalking you from the shadows?" His typical cocky grin returned. "Actually, I suppose you don't really need to know them. Our suspect will be here shortly and I need to know what your plan of action is going to be? Follow my lead as usual?" He smiled was so wide his teeth showed. He wanted to get a rise out of her.
"Actually, I thought you and Foster could go first, I'll step in later depending on what we get from her. Assuming, you get anything from her." She smiled coyly knowing this would get a rise from him. If he bit, he didn't show it.
"Right you are love. I'll show you how the grown-ups do it." Smiling they left the Cube.
