Lisbon walks over to Jane's couch, where he's been sleeping since getting back from the debacle that was his latest plan. To be fair Jane was right about most of it, he just hadn't realised that there was an accomplice, until she had appeared and shot Van Pelt before anyone could react. Luckily she wasn't a good aim and only hit her in the arm. Lisbon and Cho were listening, and barged their way in and made the arrest before she shot Jane, who'd managed to dive behind the couch. Van pelt was resting after surgery and now that Lisbon was back it was time to go see Bertram. She nudges the couch with her knee.

"Let's go Jane, Bertram wants to see both of us."

Jane stretches.

"Hi Lisbon. How's Grace?"

"Van Pelt is doing fine. They're keeping her in for observation. Now let's go."

He reluctantly pulls his legs to the edge, and stands up.

"Are you certain he wants to see both of us. It's you he usually wants to talk to."

"Yes I'm certain. We got an agent shot Jane. That's a serious business."

"Meh police work is hard."

"That's not the attitude to go in there with Jane."

Jane was lagging behind but catches up with her as she waits for the elevator. He looks at her worried face and touches her arm.

"No need to worry Lisbon. it looks like Grace will be fine and I'll handle Bertram."

The doors open and they step inside. Jane smiles as he hears Lisbon mutter under her breath.

"Now I'm really worried."

Lisbon is gritting her teeth and biting her tongue all at the same time as she can't believe what is coming out of her consultants mouth.

"Gale It's my job to get the bad guys, by any means necessary. And all these years you've been happy to take the credit for the results my skills bring. Only now, when one goes awry, in away that couldn't be foreseen, you're calling me reckless. If Lisbon and I are to be punished then surely you should be as well. You are as much to blame as Lisbon here, who only follows your orders."

Lisbon watches Bertram as his eyes narrow and she knows they're in trouble. She's tempted to stand up and put her hand across the Jane's mouth, in an effort to shut him up. She hadn't realised that Jane was still speaking until she heard him say her name.

"Lisbon let's get out of here, I think I've established that we're free to go."

Lisbon looks at Jane and then at Bertram. She can see they're locked in a war that she doesn't want to be part of, but she can't help but try to defuse. "I'm sorry sir, for Jane's behavior...

Bertram stops her with his hand.

"It's alright agent. I would like to say that I'm disappointed with the outcome of the operation but sometimes things can't be helped. I'm glad that Agent Van Pelt is doing better, and I 'll go by and visit her before the end of the day.

Lisbon can't believe her ears and rises from her chair, wanting to get Jane out of there as soon as possible.

"Thank you sir. Jane come on."

Bertram spoils her plans.

"No agent, Mr. Jane isn't going to get off that easy. He's shown insubordination here that can not be tolerated. You have a weeks suspension Mr. Jane. I don't want to hear of you being anywhere near the CBI."

Jane steps towards him.

"Now that's not fair..."

Lisbon grabs him and pulls him out of the room.

"Lisbon what are you doing? He suspended me."

"It's only for a week, suck it up, police work is hard. You deserved it, you're lucky he didn't fire you."

"That's easy for you to say. He did nothing to you," Lisbon can't help the smile of relief.

"I know. When we went in there, I was sure we were both in for it."

As they enter the elevator, Jane mutters under his breath.

"Something must have changed his mind."

As Lisbon turns away from him to push the elevator button, she misses his quick smile.

Author's notes: I will publish the second half tomorrow. Get ready to enter the darkness.