Patrick and Teresa just need to get away for a few days. They set out in the Airstream to find a relaxing spot to unwind after their whirlwind engagement and then, marriage. They never do get to have that holiday. Someone decided to change their plans with devastating results.
Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own the Mentalist. Wish I did, not going to happen...
And Their World Came Tumbling Down
Chapter 1 On The Road
"I'm all packed" Lisbon teased. She knew Patrick was going to leave his packing for their road trip til the last possible moment. For a man obsessed with organizing elaborate stunts and surprises, he was surprisingly slow at motivating himself to gather his essentials and load up the Airstream for their long overdue get-away.
"Patrick? Are you ready to go? This baby will be delivered before you even get the key in the ignition!"
That remark had the desired effect. Patrick emerged Lisbon's house, which was still home base until their cabin was renovated. Lisbon was happy to see he had his duffel bag fully packed and was dressed down in a pair of dark blue jeans, a blue and white checked shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his trusty well-worn brown loafers on his feet. Over all, he presented a very attractive, casual appearance. No wonder women flirted outrageously with him.
"Hey handsome" Lisbon grinned. "Nice to see you - finally!"
"What can I say? The best is worth waiting for" Patrick answered cheekily. Lisbon almost snorted her mouthful of coffee out of her nose.
"Spare me the false modesty!"
"What modesty Teresa?"
"Exactly my point. Let's get going Jane. The day is perfect and is slowly wasting away. We need to put some miles behind us before we find a place to set up camp tonight."
"All taken care of Teresa. I found a beautiful spot for the Airstream at a campsite overlooking a large canyon. It is open and gives us a fantastic view of the stars tonight without light pollution from the city. Should be beautiful."
"Sounds lovely. Come on, let's get this show on the road Jane." Lisbon grinned at Patrick as he got comfortable in the driver's seat. This was a trip that she could never have imagined taking just a few short months ago. But somehow, crazy adventures with her beautiful husband were now a well-established part of her life. 'Better do it now while I can still enjoy exploring new little towns and markets before the baby bump gets too big' she thought to herself happily.
Many hours, coffee and tea shops and washroom breaks later, the Airstream pulled into a tired looking diner in the Texas hill country. Patrick and Teresa had marvelled on their way here at how quickly the big city had faded away, and they were in a rural part of Texas that looked like it came straight out of a cowboy movie. The ranches they had driven past were huge, in some cases hundreds and hundreds of acres. Long-horned cattle were easily spotted behind fences. The land was dry due to the prolonged drought conditions in the country outside Austin. Here, you could still spot a cowboy out in the fields, riding his horse to check up on his herd of cattle.
Teresa loved the radical change of scenery and grinned at Patrick everytime they experienced what she called a "movie moment". As they pulled into the diner for a hot meal and some fresh coffee, Lisbon looked at Jane uncertainly.
"Do you really think this is a good place to stop? Looks kind of skeezy."
"Meh! Some of the best food can be found in places like this. Have faith woman! Let's give it try. This way we won't have to set up camp and cook all at once tonight. We can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning at the Airstream, but tonight, let's just be lazy."
"Okay, I'm game if you are" Lisbon relented.
There were several cars in the parking lot and Jane had to maneuver the Airstream to the back of the lot as it took up so many parking spots. Helping Lisbon out of the vehicle, he walked with her, his hand protectively on the small of her back, towards the building. Upon opening the door, Teresa took one long look inside and then, with a wide smile, whispered "movie moment" to Patrick.
"Yup. Full on Pleasantville" he agreed.
The diner must have been very modern and stylish - in 1959. The large arborite tables, red vinyl booth seats, black and white swivel seats at the counter and the old-fashioned cash register, all gave the diner the appearance of being locked in a time warp. The few people inside stopped their talking when they walked in. Once they had given Teresa and Patrick a quick look-over, they resumed their conversations over their hash browns, brisket and beans.
Jane smiled and nodded his head in greetings to everyone, knowing that as outsiders, they could get a cold shoulder and no service if they were not courteous to extreme. Patrick guided Teresa to an empty booth.
"I am going to give the brisket a try. It's a specialty in this area" suggested Patrick.
"I think it may not agree with Junior here" Teresa patted her tummy.
"It will probably be safer if I just stick to soup and a salad. No good getting a stomach ache our first night on the road."
"Good idea." Jane raised an index finger to summon a waitress, then charmed her as only he could do. He wanted to make sure their diner experience was a good one. The waitress left with their order, beaming and walking on a cloud. Unbeknownst to Jane and Lisbon, two new visitors had entered the diner and were now sitting by the cash register on the two end swivel seats. While the Janes sat with their heads together, engaging in whispered conversation and smiles, they were being scrutinized by the two newcomers. Neither one of the men looked like he had seen the working end of a shower for quite a long time. Grease was liberally ground into their jeans, shirts and had taken up permanent residence under their fingernails.
"Evenin' Beau, evenin' Colt" said the man behind the counter.
"Can I get you boys anything? Coffee? Beer?"
Beau turned his head away from studying the Janes and ordered 2 beers, a plate of fries and a slice of lemon pie. Colt did the same. A half hour later, fries gone, pie crumbs everywhere, even throughout their stubby beards, Colt and Beau were working on their third beers when Patrick got up to find his way to the men's room. Beau gave Colt a slight nod and both swiveled around in their seats to face the room. Just as Patrick walked back towards his table and passed the counter, Colt extended his foot, tripping Patrick, who fell heavily into Beau.
"What the hell do you think you're doin'?" Beau yelled.
Patrick righted himself, trying to keep his temper down. These yahoos didn't rate a dressing down from him. He knew he had been tripped, but he did not want a confrontation.
"Sorry! Didn't see your friends' foot! No harm done I hope" he offered with as much sincerity as he could fake. He quickly cold read Beau and Colt and surmised that this was a scam, for whatever purpose they thought was good for them, bad for Patrick.
"Damn city folk think they own the whole damn planet!" yelled Beau.
A hush descended on the diner, but no one made eye contact with Beau or Colt. Jane felt a shift in the mood in the room and knew it was time to move on. He apologised again and offered to pay for their meals as a token of sincerity. Offer accepted, he made his way back to Lisbon.
"Come on. I think our time here has expired. Seems like the natives are looking for a fight and I don't want to be any part of it" Jane whispered.
"Good idea" agreed a shaken Lisbon. Her happy "movie moment" feeling had suddenly disappeared and now she just wanted to get out of there and back to the safety of the Airstream and the open road.
Jane left more than enough cash to pay for their meal and the tip, just to get out of the diner as quickly as possible. After helping Lisbon into the high bucket seat, he ran around to the drivers' side and hopped in. Within 5 minutes, they were out of the parking lot and heading down the road.
"What really happened back there?" Teresa finally asked. She looked scared, which angered Patrick.
"Just two yahoo's having some fun at my expense. If I had had the time and the inclination, I might have hypnotized them into performing as dance hall girls for our entertainment!"
"Jane! You would do no such thing!" Lisbon scolded, but with a smile and a twinkle in her emerald eyes.
"It would have been a thing of beauty to watch, you have to admit!" grinned Patrick.
""But I was a good boy and just got us out of there."
"Thank you Patrick, much appreciated."
As the miles flew by, they soon lapsed into a comfortable silence, occasionally reaching out to touch a hand or shoulder. As dusk approached, Patrick glanced at the GPS and announce that they would soon be stopping for the night. 15 minutes later, the Airstream pulled off the main road onto a gravel path that led to breathtaking vista.
"Oh Patrick! This is beautiful!" Teresa marvelled. Ahead of her, out of the front window of the Airstream, was a view of a green, well-manicured park, with tall trees here and there for shade, and a spectacular view of a deep, ancient canyon, hundreds of feet deep. As Patrick pulled the vehicle up the the post indicating their campsite, Teresa turned to him with a wide smile.
"This is more amazing than I imagined Patrick! How did you find this spot?"
"I checked Google Earth, the internet, and Wylie!" laughed Jane. "Wylie has been here before with friends from university and he assured me the views and the silence were well worth the journey."
"He was right. It is so peaceful" Teresa agreed. They quickly hooked up the Airstream to the water, gas and sewage facilities, then they brought out their lawn chairs and table to sit under the stars and enjoy the solitude. Lisbon came towards Patrick with a cup of his favourite tea and a decaf coffee in her other hand.
"Cheers my love!" Patrick said, clinking their cups together.
"I can't wait until I can drink real coffee again" Teresa groused.
"Never fear, the high octane rocket fuel you love will soon be back in your cup" laughed Patrick.
"Whatever is good for baby, I can deal with" said Teresa, gently patting her tiny baby bump.
"Love you Teresa" whispered Patrick with a loving smile.
"Love you Patrick" replied Teresa happily.
Their first day on the road was drawing to a close. As was typical of any Jane adventure, it was partly predictable, with an added dash of anxiety thrown in for good measure. Normal life for the family Jane.
Well they finally reached their destination. Seems like a peaceful night is ahead of them. However, someone has different plans for Patrick and Teresa. Next chapter is up!