Out of the Dark
AN: I've been thinking about and working on this story for a long time now and finally decided to publish. The story is outlined but not totally written I will try my best to keep updates timely. Just my way to not thinking about the end of The Mentalist which I will miss probably more than I should in the "normal" world. But who wants to be normal, right?
This story takes place after Lisbon and Jane have been together for about a six months.
As always nothing belongs to me. I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 1
An infestation of mice had invaded Lisbon's house forcing her to move to the "tin can". Making domestic bliss not all it 's cracked up to be especially when two people who have different ideas of on how to live share a space that would make a Hobbit feel claustrophobic.
Teresa squeezed past her boyfriend, lover, Jane with benefits on her way from the shower to the kitchen. A space of incredibly small dimensions.
"Patrick, I know you love this over grown version of the love bug but it's a little cramped in here." She picked up her coffee on the way to the "closet".
"I like to think of it more as cozy. You're just not used to it because you grew up in a big house. I've lived in smaller spaces then this. Slept with my father until I was about eight, then I slept under the camper or a neighbor's couch"
"No bed?"
"Didn't sleep in a real bed until I was in foster care." He smiles like he was enjoying a happy memory.
"Really" It began to make sense why he found couches such a comfortable place to sleep.
"You know Teresa maybe we should look for some place for us."
Lisbon liked that idea. Their home not her's or his but somewhere both called home.
"A condo maybe one downtown closer to work. We could avoid the rush hour traffic."
"No, no condos we move from here to a house. Something with a yard and maybe some flowers. OK! Besides I thought you liked houses"
He was so adamant about the house that Teresa didn't want to point out the benefits of condo living. No need to start a fight early in the morning some battles are better left for other times.
"OK, maybe this weekend we can go look a few open houses see what's on the market. Make a day of it."
Jane put his arms round her waist and pulled her close to his chest.
"I'd like that Teresa. A home that is just ours no ghost of lovers past" He gave a quick kiss on the forehead.
She knew he hated the idea of being in the same house that Pike had wooed and loved her but he had been good about it. Maybe their own place is what they needed to wipe away all the old hurts and doubts.
Jane's voice brought her back to the present.
"Got to run sweetheart doing some interviews with Cho."
"OK I'll check on line and see what is available to view." She'd threw in a condo or two maybe one with a nice river view give him a choice.
"Fine, just don't try to sneak in a condo I'm not interested."
Another quick kiss and he was out the door.
The day dragged on with nothing new to do just the endless boredom of old cold cases. Lisbon sighed as she listened to the endless click click of Wylie's computer and incessant desk top finger drumming of Agent Vega. Would this day ever end.
Jane scouting mission with Cho had lasted all day and as the office started to clear out they were still in the field. Taking advantage of the slow day Lisbon had found some weekend Open Houses and she looked forward to an evening with her boyfriend looking over perspective homes for them to share.
Just before five Jane texted telling her to meet him back at the Airstream and that Cho would give him a ride. It was scary how easily they had slipped in to a daily routine like they had been doing it for years.
She looked over at Wylie he had just now come form Abbott's office and was looking at her nervously.
"Everything OK Wylie?"
"Fine Agent Lisbon. Last minute paper work." He held up a post-it.
"Oh OK have good night, see you tomorrow."
She was putting away the last of her files and thinking of what to make for dinner when Abbott interrupted her thoughts.
"Teresa may I see for a moment in my office.?'
"Of course Sir. It everything alright? Is Jane alright?" She hated how she panicked when it came to Jane.
"He's fine Teresa. But this does concern him."
Abbott stopped before opening his office door. He looked apprehensive.
"What is it Sir?"
"This person", He inclined his head toward the office. "They came here looking for Jane but say they know you also."
Lisbon looked nervous.
"What their story?"
"I think I'll let them tell you." With those words Abbott opened the door.
Lisbon walked in and to say she was surprised was a true understatement.
The women turned and looked at Lisbon. She looked tired and her eyes were read from crying. She smiled sadly.
"Hello Agent Lisbon, uh Teresa."
It took Lisbon a moment to find her voice.
"Kristina Frye?"