"So, what do you think?" Lisbon asked as she watched Jane lean over the body. Jane continued to sniff over the body and touch the neck.
"Well, rich woman who is having an affair. Battered by her husband, had an affair to get a bit of happiness." Jane concluded with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Really? How so?" Lisbon asked as she tilted her head.
"Well, rich because of the necklace she is wearing…it's a gold chain with a diamond. Look at her wrist…" he pointed as Lisbon looked on. There was a bracelet which had rubies and emeralds placed on it. Lisbon nodded in agreement.
"How is she having an affair?" Lisbon asked.
"Look at her ring finger…" Jane said. Indeed, there was a faded strip that showed the spot where she had worn a ring for long time but it was no longer there.
"The marriage could have just ended…" Lisbon reasoned out. Jane shook his head.
"Her ring is in her pocket…" Jane replied and smiled as Lisbon confirmed.
"And how about battered woman part?" Lisbon asked, yet again, challenging him.
"She has defence wounds on her knuckles. And look at her hands and thighs. There are blood clots everywhere. Look at her face also…can you see finger marks made? He slapped her." Jane concluded. Lisbon tensed up at that revelation. That didn't go unnoticed to Jane. She looked deep in thought.
"Hey boss!" Rigsby interrupted her train of thought. She looked up as he joined them. "The victim's name is Valerie Brookes: 29 years and married…although she had petitioned for divorce. Spouse's name is James LeBryn. He is currently on a business trip to Brazil and Sac PD have talked to him. He is flying back as we speak. Our victim owns a designer boutique named 'Vals' and according to her friend, Melanie Shields, who found her here, she was having troubles with her husband. It was an abusive relationship." He concluded. Jane turned to look at Lisbon with a triumphant look. Lisbon narrowed her eyes at him.
"I always tell you that you should trust me. You never listen." Jane complained.
"Yeah yeah…" Lisbon said and rolled her eyes while shrugging.
"Bring Melanie in for questioning…" Lisbon told Rigsby. Cho walked towards them. "Cho, have the M.E examine the body and determine the cause and time of death." They both muttered 'Yes boss' and walked away. Lisbon and Jane walked towards their car. Lisbon dialled Van Pelt's number.
"Boss…" Van Pelt answered.
"Van pelt, I need you to look through Valerie Brookes' phone records and bank accounts. Look for anything suspicious. We are heading back to the office." Lisbon said and cut the phone.
"Can I drive?" Jane asked playfully. Lisbon sighed and looked at him. He feigned puppy dog eyes.
"Awww…" Lisbon exclaimed as she held out her car keys and went over to him. He held out his hand to take the key but just as he was about to grab it, she swiftly turned around and said "yeah, in your dreams…" and sat in the driver's seat. Jane stood rooted to the spot in disappointment. Lisbon started the engine and drove towards him. She stopped next to him and asked "Do you want an invitation card?" Jane shrugged and was about to say something witty when Lisbon interrupted. "Ok, get yourself a ride back to the office…" and started driving off.
"Hey! Come on Lisbon!" Jane shouted and Lisbon braked and smiled at herself before turning to look back at him.
"Hurry up Jane. We don't have all day!" She said. Jane jogged to the passenger side of the car and sat inside.
"You know, your size and face are terribly misleading. People would think you are a harmless little rabbit…" Jane commented and that made Lisbon smile.
"Now you know better…" she teased as Jane raised his eyebrow. They then drove off.