Title: Evergreen
Author: Divinia Serit
Rating: T
Pairing: Jane/Lisbon (duh!)
Spoilers: Red Badge AU
Disclaimer: The Mentalist belongs to Bruno Heller and CBS. Written for entertainment purposes only!
A/N: Whew! I couldn't stay away from angst for too long! And now I know way too much about California's court proceedings, murder, and sentencing requirements. If anyone looks at my search history, they'd probably be disturbed! Hahahahaha. Anyways, I had a hard time digging up actual court transcripts so most of my information is taken from government websites and educational journals. Valley State Prison is a real women's prison in California. I've tried to be as accurate as possible, but I'm sure I've made mistakes! Chalk it up to fiction.
The prompt is courtesy of tromana who wanted a Red Badge AU, although I actually stole it from her… She was going to give it to someone else, but I couldn't resist! I was instantly intrigued! It takes place in the middle of Red Badge- Jane didn't hypnotize Lisbon and so no plan to flush out Dr. Carmen was ever created. It may be updated rather slowly thanks to the Secret Santa Challenge I'm working on, but I'll write as quickly as possible. Enjoy!
Chapter One
Evergreen: remaining persistently green throughout the year; enduring.
How did it get this bad?
Her eyes fixated on her trembling hands that were tightly clutched in her lap. It was the only thing that hinted towards the rushing anxiety that threatened to overtake her. She could feel the numbness spreading up her arms, the sharp pain becoming more and more uncomfortable. Flexing her fingers, she pressed her palms against the soft material of the black slacks tailored to her small frame. The clothing was unfamiliar. She would much rather be clad in her day to day denim and blazer set, and not dressed up as if she was an exhibit in a zoo. But, appearances mattered- especially on days like today.
The chair dug into her back as she tried to quietly shift her weight. She felt restless. Caged. And although she tried to focus on the biting words from the district attorney, she found her mind growing fuzzier and fuzzier. She was grateful for the past decision to keep her hair long. Swinging across her face, it provided a semblance of a barrier toward the foul-mouthed vultures eager for a story. The majority of the media had been banned from the courtroom, but it was still overflowing with spectators. She dared not look up to see just how many were enjoying this mockery of the justice system.
She shouldn't be here. She was innocent. She clung to the tiny shred of hope that the jury would see through the murky evidence and realize that she was being set-up. That something like this went against every fiber of her being. She built her life around the fact that societal rules must be followed, and justice was left to the courts. She was not an executioner, merely a decorated officer who apprehended suspects and pieced together the puzzle that was crime. She accepted it. Without rules, her life would descend into chaos, but she never thought she would see the day when her own system of rules would bite her in the ass. Even she had to admit the evidence against her was astronomical.
Biting her lip, the coppery tang of metallic blood filled her mouth and she lifted her hand to blot at her mouth. She was transfixed by the red smear across the back of her right hand, and cursed her inner weakness that craved something, anything, to feel alive. It wasn't a dream. No amount of pinching or silent screaming would wake her up. Instead, she was subdued. Embarrassed by the fact she couldn't even bear to look anyone in the eye. It was hard enough to hold herself together with the constant barrage of questions, and she'd be lying if she said she didn't enjoy the relative silence of the courtroom.
Time flew quickly, and she wasn't fully aware of the proceedings. She was resigned to the fact that for once she wouldn't be able to control the outcome. It wasn't that she was giving up. That would be way too unlikely even if she hit rock bottom. She was just… overwhelmed. No one believed her. Her boss had turned his back on her, and she didn't even have an inkling of an idea for getting out of this mess. Jane had already hired the best lawyer money could provide, and even though she tried to deny the favor in lieu of the usual bureau lawyers, she was suddenly grateful for their expertise.
Looking up, she tried to swallow as the judge considered both sides. She wasn't even aware of the time. The only thing she knew was that her fate was in the hands of a stranger. Her mouth felt like cotton. Her tongue slightly swollen as she sucked in a sharp breath. She tried to focus on the man's mouth as it opened and closed, rattling off words that would seal her fate as she was pulled to her feet. She barely noticed as her lawyer reminded her it was just the preliminary hearing. With her excellent record he was sure the charges would be dropped. It was all circumstantial.
"Docket 1397 versus Teresa Lisbon will proceed to trail. Bond is set at $250,000."
She swayed. Her vision darkened as her lawyer grabbed her elbow. Loud whispers filled the room, and she vaguely was aware of the battle to drop the amount. She wanted to open her mouth and argue that she wasn't crazy. She was innocent, but nobody wanted to believe her. She forced her mouth to open only to find her throat constrict, tears painfully burning in her eyes. There was no way she could get a hold of that kind of money.
"This is ridiculous! Agent Lisbon is a decorated officer-"
"Your client also has no family in state and is considered a flight risk. She'll be taken to Valley State and placed in a secure cell for her own protection unless bail is met."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the officers approach and she quickly turned. A camera flash temporarily blinded her as she sought out her boss and mentor. She gripped the wooden railing, steadying herself, while her eyes darted around the crowded room. They're eyes locked. His mouth was set in a grim line as he stared at her in disappointment. He opened his mouth as if to acknowledge her before shaking his head slightly as he turned away.
"Boss!" she cried out hoarsely. "Virgil!" he paused, but didn't look back.
She tried to stand strong as judgments were made, rude comments thrown around about dirty cops. She choked back the bile that rose in her throat. Turning her head, she tried to avoid her team's gaze. Their faces frozen in her memory with haunted looks of acceptance. Why wouldn't anyone believe her?! She felt the bailiff's hand on her arm, ready to escort her to the back room to await prisoner transport. Her mind urged her to fight, to argue, to do anything other than show a willing acceptance of a false accusation.
She paused when a man reached out, brushing her arm. The officer shot the blond a dirty glare, but briefly slowed giving her a moment's time with her consultant. She forced herself to slow her breathing, to remain in control of her turbulent emotions. Unable to form a coherent sentence, she silently pleaded with him to get her out of this whole mess. To do something, anything. He trailed his finger down her cheek before slowly lifting her chin. The pad of his thumb gently glided across her trembling lip in an unusually intimate gesture. She felt a tug on her arm, and knew the bailiff was ready to move on.
"Jane-" Her voice cracked, and she mentally cursed the sign of weakness. "I didn't do it."
The courtroom door slammed behind her, and she winced as the metal handcuffs were clipped around her own wrists for a change. In a split second her world had come crashing down, and everything she had ever known and believed in had betrayed her. The memory of Jane's enigmatic expression flashed before her eyes. Once more, she was alone with no one to rely on but herself. She should have known. She was always alone.