A/N: Robin Tunney deserves some major kudos for her acting in this episode. I loved Lisbon's intensity, her bravery. I mean, for such a small woman, she was downright scary confronting the powerful, untouchable Volker. And now with Jane, she's brought out the big guns.
My three favorite parts: Jane bringing up his hopes Lisbon was in love; cautioning her against Volker, and, of course, the very end, when Lisbon asks for his help. Also, I knew the poker games would have some dividends. Glad the writers didn't just forget about them. An all-around awesome episode. Can't wait for more.
Episode Tag: Days of Wine and Roses, 5x11
"You've certainly hooked a live one, Lisbon," said Jane. "But Volker's strong. He'll make you fight him till he's on the bank, gasping for air."
"Lovely image," commented Lisbon, but Jane could see that his words hadn't comforted her as he'd hoped.
They were in their usual places in her office—she behind her desk, he on her couch. He sipped his tea, but her coffee grew cold at her fingertips. She must be too worked up to need caffeine.
He stared at her until she met his eyes, and while he hated seeing the bleakness there, he also saw a familiar determination.
"You're afraid," he said.
"Yes," she whispered.
So, he thought grimly. She has found her own white whale. Her Red John.
"Has he threatened you?"
His body tensed in horrible anticipation of her reply.
"No," she said, and he felt himself relax somewhat. He took a fortifying sip of tea. "Not in so many words," she continued. "But the implication is there. He doesn't like me nosing around in his business. It…angers him."
Jane nodded. It meant she was on to something. He set down his cup and went around her desk, swiveling her chair to face him as he squatted before her. Then, to her surprise, he took her cold hands in his, looking into her eyes with quiet intensity.
"This man is a psychopath, Teresa. He doesn't think the law applies to him, so that means you'll have to skirt it or downright break it in order to catch him. Are you prepared to do that?"
She looked down at where he held her, remembering the last time he'd taken her hand, out in the desert, as they'd watched Red John slip out of their grasp once again. Then, he had been seeking comfort; now, he was offering it, wholeheartedly.
She smiled wryly. "That's why I came to you."
He squeezed her hands and grinned in return. "It's good that you did."
She had broken the law to help Jane in the past, and with Volker, she had tried to get him by legal means, but he had used his formidable power and influence to thwart her at every turn. Yes, she was prepared to do whatever it took to get Tommy Volker, guilty of at least five murders that she knew of.
Jane released her and stood up, returning to the couch and to his tea. He had taken her hands to test her resolve, but he'd found to his surprise that he'd needed that physical connection as much as she did. This was a dangerous game they would be playing. But Jane was confident they would get Volker, for, unlike with Red John, they had more than just bloody faces on a wall. She knew this man, had looked him in the eye—he swallowed—had shaken his hand.
Lisbon understood what they were up against, that when dealing with a man like this, there would likely be further horrors to endure to catch him. So, until they could reel in Red John, Jane would teach her how to fish.
"Tell me, Lisbon," he said, a bit of his usual humor returning. "Do you like your fish broiled or fried?"
She smiled back, gratitude suffusing her, warming her from the inside out.
"Fried," she told him. "Definitely fried."
A/N: I'm so glad they are picking right up with this storyline next episode, and excited that they'll be working together on this!