This is my first attempt at writing a story for The Mentalist. I do not by any means own the characters, I'm just borrowing them. It might start off a little slow, but I assure you the plot will get interesting! I have several more chapters in store :D Please, read and review! All comments are appreciated.
1.
Patrick Jane waltzed into the CBI headquarters observing the dark room before him. It was quite early in the morning, but it was not unusual for him to be awake. In fact, he usually did not get more than a few hours of sleep every night. Throwing his jacket over the back of his trusty brown couch, he began to open the blinds of every window in the room until light filtered in from every direction. A huge smile lit his face reflecting the light that poured into the office. Linking his fingers behind his head, Jane exhaled as he watched the sun slowly rise. Satisfied with his work, he decided to start his morning off right; that is, he walked to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea.
Lisbon sighed grumpily as she pushed the elevator button that would take her up to her office. Crossing her arms, she waited for the doors to open so she could start her day, solve whatever case that had been pushed off to her team, and return to her couch at home. Her day had already started wrong and she had a strong inclination that it would only gradually get worse. After a spilled cup of coffee, a rather enraged taxi driver, and getting stopped by the downstairs metal detector, Lisbon knew this day was sure to be long. Stepping out into the CBI headquarters, she was surprised to be greeted by a sunlit room. The dust swirled in the air, sparkling as it reflected the light from outside. Already knowing who was responsible for this tiny ray of happiness in her day, her suspicions were confirmed when she heard the tinkle of china coming from the kitchen. Rolling her eyes as she walked to her office, Lisbon could still not figure out why Jane was so persistent about drinking from his own china. Never commenting on the matter, he had always been sure to bring his own supplies from home instead of using the cups which were provided.
Unloading the contents from her bag and onto her desk, she began to sort through them. A voice interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up to find Jane leaning against the door frame and beaming at her over a steaming cup of tea.
"Ah, there you are Lisbon. I thought I heard the click of your shoes."
Raising her eyebrow at him, she quickly took in his appearance. His hair was messier than usual, and there were bags under his eyes. His sleeves were rolled up and it seemed his jacket was missing.
"Wow, Jane, you look like hell. Did you not get any sleep again?"
"Thanks, Lisbon, you look lovely as well." Patrick jested.
Noticing her "cut the crap" expression of which he was so familiar, he continued,
"I noticed some links in the Red John case file last night and thought it would be well worth my time to try and piece the information together."
Shooting him a curious look, Lisbon asked,
"Did you find anything?"
"Negative. For all my searching, I was led to a dead end."
Frowning, she sympathized,
"Don't worry, I am sure something will turn up soon."
"Yes, only a matter of time before I find the exact piece of evidence that will lead me straight to this masked serial killer who has been on the run for several years."
Shooting him a sharp look, Lisbon replied,
"Wait, something's resurfacing…ah, yes, wasn't it you who said, "Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit?"
Smiling his famous hundred- watt smile, Jane replied,
"Meh, who listens to their own advice any way?"
Shaking her head, Lisbon returned to her paper work as Jane focused on a new point of interest. Walking away from Lisbon's office, Jane discreetly walked toward the elevators and poked his head around the corner. A mischievous grin overtook his face as he saw the doors open to reveal Rigsby and Van Pelt emerging. He knew he had heard the elevator chime. They had only just jumped apart when the doors had opened. Straitening his tie as Van Pelt fixed her hair, Rigsby began to round the corner. Jane popped out from his hiding place and smiled,
"Morning Grace, Rigsby. Lovely day, huh?"
They glanced at each other guiltily before Van Pelt replied hastily,
"Yes, wonderful."
Avoiding his eyes, she quickly walked around the nosy consultant and headed for her desk. Rigsby tried to do the same, but Patrick planted himself in front of him. Still smiling, he narrowed his eyes at Risby's face.
"Do you have something red on your face?"
Rigsby's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"What, where?"
He then frantically began to scrub his face and search for a mirror. As he examined himself in the reflection of a window, he caught Jane's expression and stopped. Pointing at him and smirking, Jane laughed,
"Ah, gotcha!"
Rigsby narrowed his eyes and began to grumble as his stalked past Patrick to his desk. He averted his eyes from Van Pelt as he sat down.
Chuckling to himself, Patrick sat his tea down on a table, and contented himself by lying down on his couch and closing his eyes. So far, his day couldn't have been better.
A little girl with bouncy blonde curls laughed delightedly as she swung back and forth on the swings. She began to swing higher and higher until all you could see of her when she went up was the bottom of her shoes.
"Daddy," She giggled. "Catch me!"
Fearlessly, she flew out of the swing and into her father's arms. He caught her and swung her around planting a kiss on her head. A beautiful blonde haired women joined them as she grasped them both in a hug.
Patrick was dimly aware that he was dreaming and had a nagging sense that someone was calling his name.
"Jane…Jane, are you coming?"
A jolt from underneath him made his eyes fly open. He looked up to find Lisbon staring down at him with a concerned expression. Apparently, she had nudged the couch with her foot. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up and began to put on his jacket.
"Of course I'm coming, wouldn't miss it for the world." He smiled.
Getting up and brushing past her, he joined the others by the elevator. He heard Lisbon call behind him,
"You didn't hear a word I said, did you?"
Cho was standing beside Rigsby with his arms crossed, looking impatient with the elevator. Apparently, he had arrived while Jane was sleeping.
"So, where are we going?" Jane asked with a smile.
"Green Acres," Cho replied dutifully, "They found a girl murdered there."
"But Lisbon wants us to rush because she thinks the local PD is going to want to take charge. Apparently, they have a new chief in the unit. You know how she is about taking lead on cases…" He stopped short as Lisbon joined them.
Muttering under her breath, she glared at the elevator which was being most unhelpful. Smirking, Jane wandered away from the group and pressed on the door that led to the stairs. Looking back at the team, he commented,
"Nothing like a little exercise."
They all exchanged glances as Jane disappeared through the door. Sighing, Lisbon muttered under her breath,
"Damn elevator."
She then walked toward the stairs and her team followed. As they descended, she gave out orders, making sure everyone would be prepared when they arrived at the scene. Walking out of the building at a fast pace, they headed toward the van. When they reached it they were surprised to see Jane leaning against it with an apple in his hand. Smiling at them, he shrugged.
"Shotgun." He announced.
Lisbon rolled her eyes and the team loaded up for the oncoming case.