Nothing much to say –except sorry for the long wait uu". And kinda tired so if there are more grammar mistakes, blame it on the lack of sleep :s

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Disclaimer: I do not own Mentalist, just my crazy mind. My English grammar isn't the best, hope you'll enjoy it anyway –won't blame you if you don't ;)


Guardian Angel

6.

Van Pelt stared at the huge house in awe. Earlier that day, after hearing a few rumours running about Mrs Frye's family life, she had decided to take a chance and infiltrate the household. When she managed to get her teacher's address, she thought little of the localisation. It wasn't until she stopped in front of the 354 Diamond Square that she started doubting about the accuracy of her information.

The panel on the front door indicated 'Frye', but the family living in a –at least- five bedrooms, huge living room and kitchen and three bathrooms home couldn't count a teacher in its ranks. She saw Jane's contract and the four numbers constituting his salary per month. There was no way Mrs Frye could afford this mansion…unless she inherited of some fortune or was deep into dealing. Grace trusted her instincts when they dictated her something was wrong with her teach; and she wanted to know if she was right. If it helped dear Cho in his investigation, more power for him. Her own investigation was more for hobby. If she was paid or rewarded for it, even better.

The reflection of a silver Clio in the garden proved she was on the good path though. Frye's car was unmistakably parked there.

Van Pelt frowned, wondering if she was making the good choice. But then, she wasn't going to wait for Cho's green light. She knew better than wait after cops to take action. The teen smirked, feeling the Asian man and Jane would be mad after her for taking the first step –but who cared!-, and rang at the gate.

Not long afterwards, her science teacher opened the door and peeked outside. Mrs Frye grimaced slightly at her sight but stepped outside to greet her.

"Miss Van Pelt, how can I help you?"

The redhead slipped back into her 'goody-to-shoes' role and smiled shyly.

"Sorry to bother you ma'am. I am actually looking for a job and I heard from a classmate you needed a baby-sitter for your children."

The relief on the woman's face was clear, though Van Pelt didn't know how she had to interpret it. Relief from her reason to be here or from the need of someone?

"Yes, my last one slammed the door two weeks ago, and since then they have been unbearable."

Grace nodded in fake compassion. She didn't need to add she showed up because she heard the previous baby-sitter, Sydney Scott –the teach's daughter in her class- complaining about the two angel faces yet monsters they were. They were headstrong? Good, she was too. Mrs Frye opened her gate readily and asked her:

"Do you have any experience with children?"

I was the right hand of a gang of bikers and supposed to supervise guys of twenty and more with the mentality of six years old, she was tempted to reply.

"Yes, I use to keep some friend's…"

Frye cut her in her speech:

"Would you be free right now? For the next couple of hours? I need to go somewhere right now and I'm desperate looking for someone to keep them…"

No, I still got that exercise you gave us this morning to finish and because of which I'm so not going to rest this week-end. I'm only here because I want to know if you're a drug dealer.

"It should be okay."

"Good, good, in fact perfect" the woman rambled, opening the gate to let her in. "I'll be gone for about…I should be back before eight" Van Pelt almost winced again, knowing it was barely two in the afternoon, and followed her reluctantly towards the house. "If I'm late, they'll show you what you need to know about the house…"

When the front door shut, Van Pelt had to get a hard grip on herself. The inside was as huge as it appeared outside! The brown carpet and the white walls were so clean no intruder would dare spill dirt on it. Paintings of modern artists were hanging on the wall next to an iron sculpture set on a pedestal…

"Joe-Ann! Gabriel!" Frye suddenly shouted. "Mommy needs to speak to you right now!" Then turned her attention back to the young woman: "They should have gone to a birthday party but it was cancelled…They need to do their homework and…and if they want to go out, walk them to the park at the end of the street. They have playmates there, and they know how to busy themsel…"

She didn't finish her sentence; two children were standing at the bottom of the staircase, staring with polite curiosity at the newcomer.

"Who is the lady mama?"

The girl was a cute blond, almost white-haired five years old with smiling brown eyes. Her brother had darker hair and a wiser look, and Grace knew immediately that the sister was the one to keep an eye on. Innocent faces were the worst.

"Here is Grace Van Pelt. She's your new baby-sitter from now on. Now, be nice, mama needs to go out. You will obey to Grace's instruction all right?"

"Yes mama!"

Frye promised she would pay her at her return and flew from the house, almost slamming the door in the way. Van Pelt glanced at the kids and winced inwardly when she noticed the change in their expression. From shy and polite, their eyes shifted to naughty and manipulating. But what freaked her out the most was when the lovely, sweet five years old little girl smirked and said:

"Say, Gabe, how long do you think this one will last?"

-GA-

Teresa cursed again. At home, their fridge was alarmingly empty and since no-one was there for the day, she needed to do the grocery shopping. And once again, she cursed her short stature. The cheep milk they use to drink was too high for her to reach. Of course, she just had to be alone in the middle of the shelves and couldn't ask anyone around. Grumbling against her unlucky star, she laid a knee on the border and stretched her hand as far as possible…As soon as she brushed the box; it shifted in its position and fell. The unexpected movement made her jump in surprise and lose balance.

She landed against a firm, solid chest while an arm wrapped around her waist to maintain her straight.

"I've been told I'm comfortable, but not to the point ladies throw themselves at me."

The cheerful tone made her froze, and for a few seconds, she didn't know if she wanted to roll her eyes or remain stunned. What was Mr Jane doing here? She reluctantly grumbled a 'thanks'. She could almost see the grin on his face when he replied.

"No problem."

He released her. Oddly, a sold shiver shook her spin when she stepped away from his body. The man was still in his three piece suit –she briefly wondered if he wore anything else- holding a basket half full of groceries and…a box of tampons? She automatically glanced at his left hand and spotted the golden ring. Oh, he was married…A pang of disappointment was quickly brushed away –where did that came from anyway?- and she chuckled.

"Very few men do that kind of shopping for their wives" she blurted, grinning in amusement while pointing at the box.

"You look better than yesterday" he pointed out. She still spotted the slight embarrassment in his eyes.

"My brothers are out to some friend's house for the week-end. My father was sleeping on the couch in the living room when I came back, so I had a full night sleep."

"Good, good. I'm glad" he smiled sincerely. "I'll leave you to your shopping? See you Monday at 3pm? Don't be late!"

Teresa smiled in amusement at his teasing and after waving good-bye, headed towards the canned food shelve, light hearted. Even if he was an grown-up adult, married, and teaching literature, he was sociable and funny. She wondered if in the long term, they could get along...Teresa shook her head at the absurd thought. Letting him in was not in her plans anyway, she had other things to worry about.

Soon she had everything she needed and went headed towards the exit. A teen was sitting behind the cash register, masticating boringly his chewing gum. He scanned the articles she let on the conveyer belt and took the credit card to pay. It beeped one time, then a second. On the thrid try, the boy gave up.

"I'm sorry, it won't pass" the cashier said on a monotony tone. "Don't you have another way of paying?"

Teresa's back straightened and she resisted to the urge or crying. Of course, it wasn't the first time it happened, courtesy to her dear boyfriend again. She hadn't touch her monthly pay yet and wouldn't before another few days. And her brothers were coming back the next evening. If she was okay with skipping lunch, they needed to eat…What was she going to do now? She had no cash or check on her…

"Add this to the note and I'll pay."

The new voice reminded her she wasn't alone in the line. That he was behind her though was a huge coincidence; was he following her or what? Teresa turned towards him and wanted to ask him, but words stuck in her throat. If he paid, it will help for sure, but she had for principle never to indebted herself to someone. Even less to someone she barely knew. The cashier hesitated a second before starting to record Jane's articles and rising the total price. Now, she couldn't refuse.

"Mr Jane?" Teresa babbled. "What are you…"

"You hush" he dismissed her with a slow gesture and once all articles were scanned, handed out a few bills to the cashier. "Is this enough?

The boy behind the cashing machine nodded and took the money in. Jane gave Teresa her stuff, took his and they both headed outside. As soon as she stepped out of the store, she blurted:

"I'll give it back as soon as I got my paycheque."

Jane waved the sentence away.

"I have enough on my own."

"Is there anyway I can repair you?" she insisted.

"If you're so keen on giving me something, let me…" he paused, eyeing her up and down in deep thought, and when she was about to think he was going to answer something inappropriate: "…buy you an ice-cream. You look like you need a break, and I know the perfect place to rest" he added with a suggestive wink.

Teresa's eyes widened and she stared at him in amazement:

"Are you hitting on me?"

Jane shrugged:

"I am single man with good eyesight and you are a beautiful young woman. I believe a little bit of flirting can't hurt" he added with an amused smile. "But no moves, I promise. You're still my student after all, and an afternoon off with a friend can just make you feel better."

When he grinned with a knowing smile, Teresa shook her head. The man was a real flirt…she had to admit, it was flattering to be courted by such a handsome guy, even if he was married. She couldn't repress a small laugh and asked:

"Seriously, what kind of guy are you?"

"The kind who wants to help you" Jane replied with such gentleness she was tempted to believe him. "So, what about that ice-cream in the park?"

-GA-

Hightower couldn't believe it. The Red Case, just like Jane's human background profile, were classified ultra-confidential. Only a few people –not even Archangels!- could consult it. That covered something fishy and she didn't like it. She didn't like it at all. Minelli hadn't told her everything about the blond man.

She hurried to the mirror and ordered to be in contact with Minelli. Thankfully, she had access to him right away. The man barely had the time to greet her, Hightower barked immediately:

"What is this all about? I can't have access to the complete background of Jane or the Red Case's file."

On the other side of the mirror, Minelli sat on his chair and crossed his legs. The Archangel raised a brow, surprised by his nonchalance. When he spoke, his voice had turned cautious:

"Why would you want to know about the Red Case?"

"Because Jane is using its principal concerned for his mission!"

Minelli didn't seem surprised, and Hightower knew he was in the loop. To her utter displeasure, he merely shrugged and replied:

"When I used the words "Pandora Box", I meant it. Trying to control Patrick Jane is trying to control a tempest in a windy country. It blows smoothly, until you realise there is a change, and the danger is imminent. You were desperate enough to call for a Fallen. Deal with it now."

"But Jane is a GA and I am his current boss! I have every right to access his human file, it's written in the Laws!"

Minelli snorted, narrowing his eyes:

"One thing you must know about him; his specialty is to twist the Laws. He had never relied on his angelical powers –heck he asked me to seal them on his very first mission! He only relies on human nature, and that's why he succeeds where others fail –he pushes people in the right direction for them to help his charge. Some of ours called him lazy because of this, but if you try you'll realise it's not that easy to manipulate people into doing what you want. The Red Case subject, Grace, she's a good kid. They classified her priority because her mother's murder turned her mood into unpredictable. And you must be the first one to recognize" he added with an amused smile "that unpredictability doesn't fit in a GA's schedule."

Hightower forced herself to remain calm. The man was playing with her. She never allowed anyone to have the upper hand, and she wasn't going to start now. In the world, nothing like unpredictability existed. Only right and wrong. She based her career on that mantra, and up till now, it always worked.

"I bet he wants Grace and Teresa to befriend and get out of their mess of a life together. Perhaps he thinks they have more in common that they think."

"Lisbon and that girl have nothing in common!" Hightower roared. "I didn't ask you for help for her to go the wrong path!"

Minelli glared at her.

"You wanted her to survive. With Jane and Grace around, Lisbon is far from the danger of dying. You people have forgotten what humans are capable of. Jane knows the factors and so far, he never failed. He is a dangerous joker to use, but I warned you. I thought you'd understand it held consequences."

"Then why did you recommend him to me?"

"Why are you so determined to save Lisbon's life?"

Hightower shut down and glared at him. Minelli shrugged again and added before cutting the conversation:

"If you are so keen on knowing more about the Red Case, you know the procedure. Ask the latest GA on it."

The mirror became blank, and a small smirk grew on Minelli's lips. He was glad Jane and he secured that point ages ago. Even someone as persistent as Hightower will never find out the truth. The Red Case was only to be consulted by himself and Jane, and his partner in crime would never spill the story the file contained, even less the real reason Grace Van Pelt was considered a hopeless cause. After all, the man was a real beast when his blood relatives were on the line of fire.


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