This is just something I started a few weeks ago and decided that it was worth posting. It will be a multi-chapter fic about when Jane first joined the team. Enjoy!
Secrets Painted In Red
Chapter 1: Detective
Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon entered the main CBI office to find her team of two working diligently on their most recent case. She noted the sheer exhaustion evident in their features and how their movements were slow and forced. They had all three worked through the night, but had arrived at no leads. Cho's eyes were red and tired whilst Rigsby was half-asleep with his head resting sideways on his desk, with his pen slowly slipping from his grip. Normally she would reprimand him for sleeping on the job, but she couldn't blame them. Everyone has a limit.
A little girl had been murdered and her killer was still at large. That thought made Lisbon shudder.
Lisbon, Cho, and Rigsby were scheduled to meet with the victim's family again today for some follow-up questions. She was dreading the meeting because she knew they would end up having to admit that they were out of suspects. Anyone who looked mildly guilty had an ironclad alibi and even those unlikely suspects lacked any motive. They had nothing left to go on.
"Lisbon, may I speak with you?" Mr. Minnelli, her boss, asked as he appeared beside her. As soon as he heard his voice, Rigsby's head shot up from the desk and he looked around nervously with wide eyes. He resembled a dear caught in the headlights.
"Sure," Lisbon replied amiably, yet inside she was dreading the conversation. Minnelli usually interferes only to pressure them to solve a case or deliver bad news. Either way, she could already tell today was going to be a lousy day.
Minnelli lead Lisbon down the hall before stopping and facing her. "You're getting a new team member." He stated, ripping off the metaphorical band-aid in one swift movement. Lisbon stared at him, slowly processing this new information. "I know what you're going to say, but your team is simply overworked and I'm sure with your help he'll learn the ropes quickly." He assured, knowing that Lisbon already hated the idea.
"We're getting along just fine as is. I don't need another agent." Lisbon stressed, trying to hold back her temper. She did not want another team member, but she had to remain civil. After all, this was her boss.
"That's the thing, he's not an agent per say. He's more of an independent detective." Minnelli explained, wary of how she'd react. Lisbon just stared at him. "He doesn't get a badge or a gun." He furthered.
"How would he be of any help to us then? Do you want him to be our secretary or something?" Lisbon remarked, her anger rising. This was not a good time for any surprises.
"He comes highly recommended." Minnelli added firmly.
"Does he have any experience?" Lisbon questioned skeptically.
"A few years back he worked with the local police on some cases and according to his file he gets results." He explained, but Lisbon could sense he was holding back a great deal. She frowned.
"You're hiding something from me." She observed, eyeing him suspiciously. Normally she would be more compliant towards her boss, but today was not a usual day. "What is it?" She furthered, her tone impatient. Her boss frowned.
"This is simply a trial run. I want you to give me a report at the end of the day on his conduct, okay?" Minnelli stated firmly, leaving no room for question. Lisbon was silent. He then nodded and continued to his office with Lisbon in tow. As he stepped into the office, however, Lisbon's mind caught up with her.
"Wait." She remarked as Minnelli sat down at his desk. "You want me to baby-sit some clueless rookie." She realized, trying desperately to control her temper, but with little success. Minnelli tried to respond, but Lisbon's frustration became too much for her.
"This is outrageous! I've been working here for years. Is this some kind of punishment?" She vented. "I do not want some inexperienced 'detective' endangering my team. We have enough to deal with already without having to show around some newbie." Her boss had had enough of her insubordination.
"Lisbon!" He announced firmly. She froze. Minnelli glanced anxiously behind her and Lisbon hesitantly followed his gaze. She turned to see a blond man sitting in the chair next to the door. His head was resting on his hand and his bright blue eyes revealed amusement. He smiled and waved at her with his free hand.
Guilt began to set in. "I-" She had no idea what to say to him, so she turned back to Minnelli.
"This is a non-negotiable order. I expect you to treat him with the utmost respect. Is that understood?" Minnelli reprimanded harshly.
"Yes, boss." Lisbon responded, her eyes drifting to the ground shamefully.
"Now, I strongly recommend you read this file as soon as possible." Minnelli added with a hint of urgency in his eyes as he handed her the folder.
She gave him a bemused look, but repeated, "yes, boss." Minnelli nodded, then signaled for the man to introduce himself. The man was older than she had expected and had beautiful blue eyes and curly blond hair. He was wearing a light-colored three-piece suit and was undoubtedly attractive.
"Hi. I'm Patrick Jane, the clueless rookie." He commented with a clever grin. Lisbon's eyes returned to the floor.
"I-I'm so sorry for what I said… I-"
"No problem." He interrupted with a laugh. Lisbon smiled slightly before leaving the office. Patrick Jane followed. "So Lisbon, I'm not what you expected, am I?" He remarked.
"Not exactly." She replied, still upset about what she had said back there. She paused. "I never told you my name." She observed, glancing at him quizzically.
"What else did Minnelli say about me?" Jane deferred curiously.
"You're some kind of independent detective?" She asked skeptically. Jane's smile broadened. Lisbon was sure she could never forget that 100-watt smile.
"Is that what they call it?" He replied. Lisbon wanted to respond, but they had made it to the main office. Cho and Rigsby looked up from their desks expectantly, eyeing the man curiously.
"We have a new member of the team." Lisbon announced, her tone slightly cheerier. "This is Patrick Jane." Jane smiled.
"Cho and Rigsby." Jane pointed at each of them while announcing their respective names.
"Yeah." Rigsby nodded; surprised he knew who they were. Cho just stared at him curiously.
"You look familiar, like I've seen you on T.V. before." Cho admitted. Lisbon glanced at Jane and saw him flinch slightly, but otherwise there was no change in his expression.
"Probably." He shrugged, feigning indifference. Lisbon looked down at her watch.
"I hate to rush things, but we have a meeting with the teacher in less than an hour and the school is a good distance away." She turned to Cho. "Cho, can you brief…" She paused and looked at the blond-haired man, forgetting his name.
"Jane." He told her, still smiling.
"Can you brief Jane on the case?" Lisbon repeated. Cho nodded.
"Sure, boss." With that they headed towards their car, the new detective tagging along behind them.
My other story Illstarred Trips has not been forgotten. I'm just having trouble with the final chapter, but I am working on it. :)