Chapter 8 - Old Friends

A/N A lighter chapter before things turn more serious.

Over the years Lisbon had kept up a loose acquaintance with Walter Mashburn, it was not uncommon for her to be wined and dined by him when he was in town. There was no repeat of their one night stand but Lisbon found Walter witty and engaging, in many ways he reminded her of Jane both were manipulative and ruthless when it suited them but when they turned their attentions on you they could be utterly charming. Both had inauspicious starts in life but their natural intelligence coupled with unconventional methods made them stand out from the crowd, neither had a great respect for rules or suffered fools gladly.

Mashburn had branched out into communications buying out some well established companies and bringing them together under one roof. The satellite side of the business was a good fit with his avionics company and he now controlled a major share of the mobile communications market in California and beyond. They were branching out into developing their own apps and had already put some real game changers out to market.

Mashburn was launching a new product and had invited Lisbon to meet him at the after party in the ballroom at the Sacramento Conference centre, he extended the invitation to Jane so Lisbon would have company while Walter did the necessary networking but they planned to have a late supper together when the function was over.

It was always a bit awkward when Jane and Walter met with Lisbon present, although they appeared to like each other Lisbon suspected Jane knew of her dalliance with Walter as he had actively encouraged it at the time. There was always a slightly competitive edge to their conversations but at other times they were like too feral kids together, Walter was always looking for the ultimate thrill and he never backed down from Jane's daring challenges.

Lisbon looked dazzling in a sophisticated one shouldered fitted black dress that showed her trim figure off to perfection without being overtly sexy - she did not want to attract Walter's attention for the wrong reason. Her hair was styled in soft curls which tumbled naturally over her shoulders, she just wore her mother's cross and some emerald earrings that Jane had given her for adornments.

Jane let out a low wolf whistle as she descended the stairs making his appreciation of her appearance more than evident. He kept hold of her eyes as he walked towards her and gave her a gentle kiss, trying not to disturb her carefully applied makeup. She tasted of vanilla flavoured lip gloss and her scent was divine with notes of jasmine, rose and vanilla.

"Teresa, you look so beautiful - I'm not sure I really want to share you with anyone else tonight."

She looked shyly at him before laughing and wiping his lip - "I don't think you need that on otherwise you'll have all the good looking men chasing you - Do I have any lip gloss left on or are you wearing it all?"

"In that case I have nothing to lose" Jane smiled before dipping in for another sensual kiss before Teresa lightly pushed him away.

"Come on Jane I need to re-apply my makeup and the taxi is due any time now."

Lisbon was aware Jane was feeling proprietorial towards her and guessed Walter had a lot to do with that, it was going to be an interesting evening to say the least.

With all the doom and gloom hanging over them it would have been all too easy to encamp at home but they had both accepted Walter's invitation with alacrity. Jane was mildly amused to see how Lisbon handled this - he had been all too aware that Lisbon had been in Walter's hotel room that night and at the time had thought it was the right thing for Lisbon, now of course he had all too different feelings for her and had no intention of letting Walter charm his way into her affections again.

Walter spied them across the room and sped over to greet them. "Teresa look at you - so elegant, definitely a cut above..." he left the sentence unfinished as his eyes followed the more scantily clad statuesque specimens of female perfection vying for his attention.

Jane coughed to gain Mashburn's attention " Why Walter, great to see you again - so which is your current paramour or have you married again? I don't follow the gossip columns so I may have missed a wife or two" he added with a sly dig at Walter.

"I'm afraid Teresa has spoiled me - I'm looking for something infinitely more challenging than the usual stereotypes these days - although one still needs amusement from time to time" he responded looking Jane right in the eye.

"I wouldn't expect anything less Walter." Jane retorted with a smile.

Lisbon was feeling a bit like the meat in a sandwich and really needed a drink and lunged at the passing waiter to grab a glass of champagne, both Walter and Jane apologised for their lack of manners in attending to her and watched as she nearly downed the glass to calm her nerves.

Walter snapped his fingers and commanded more drinks all round before excusing himself to greet and meet the new arrivals "Later Teresa, later.." he said softly kissing her hand before leaving with a look of regret.

Lisbon knew exactly what Walter was doing but just tried to rise above it - they were having a well deserved night out and nothing was going to spoil it.

Jane was himself attracting a few admiring looks, Lisbon felt quite secure although she acknowledged he looked particularly dashing in the hired tux and with his freshly cut hair - a bit of competition worked wonders she observed.

When she left Jane to "powder her nose" she came back to find him surrounded by people who looked as if they had come from straight from the "beautifulpeople" website, she smirked as she noted the male and female admirers were equally represented.

She saw his look of relief as she approached but she stopped short at the other end of the bar sliding on to a stool with her legs elegantly crossed and ordered a Martini complete with olives. Jane looked over towards her exasperated as she coolly sipped her Martini refusing to make eye contact with him. His exasperation soon turned to mirth as he saw the sharks swarming around her and before long she found herself the object of desire. Lisbon habitually played down her looks preferring a more functional appearance and did not realise that her pert and cute looks were catnip to the opposite sex.

She looked across at Jane for help but he now studiously ignored her concentrating on his new friends. Lisbon was nothing if not resourceful and she flirtatiously said to her admirers "hey that looks like a great party let's join them" and led her followers to meet Jane's. The gorgeousness was sufficiently diluted to allow Jane and Lisbon to escape.

"Do not leave me alone again here" Jane said with feeling. "Don't worry I'm going nowhere without you" she responded with equal fervour."They're like predators it's not safe out there."

Jane and Lisbon were joined at the hip for the rest of the function, venturing out on to the dance floor occasionally. Walter had arranged a jazz band to play the old classics, both Jane and Lisbon loved jazz music old and new. When Laura the classic Sydney Bechet number was played Jane led Lisbon to the dance floor for a slow smooching dance; their bodies melded together in the sensuous notes and refrains of the music - it could hardly be more intimate although their passion rose they held back on overt displays of affection, as was their restrained nature but somehow the restraint heightened the sexual tension; both were fighting their instincts at this stage as they held each other's gaze, eyes smoky with desire. Jane swallowed hard still holding her stare "Teresa do we have to stay - I don't know about you but I can think of nothing better than going home right now."

Before Lisbon had a chance to answer they were rudely interrupted as Jane felt a slap on the shoulder "Can't stand the pace anymore Patrick? No need to worry I'll look after Teresa for the rest of the evening - I can get one of my drivers to take you home if you want."

Jane looked at Lisbon with frustration and replied "no worries Walter we are fine, just thought you had forgotten about us."

"Now Patrick, how could I ever forget Teresa ? I think this is my dance Teresa" he said looking at her intently. Jane noticed the dilated pupils and putting his annoyance to one side he acknowledged Walter had been working on his biofeedback mechanisms and watched with detachment as Mashburn tried to work his charms on Lisbon.

"So Teresa alone at last, it's a long time since we have been up close and personal like this - way too long" he said seductively.

"Walter you know us, we're just ships that pass in the night, besides you are always jetting off on business and I would hardly say you are short of company." Lisbon said archly as she surveyed the bevy of delights.

"Well I can always make time for you in my diary but you are difficult to pin down Teresa. Besides I couldn't help notice Patrick was wrapping himself round you earlier, isn't that taking consulting a step too far?"

It was all getting a bit too personal for Teresa at this point and she was relieved when the music finished and they returned to the watching Jane.

Finally as the event drew to a close they retired to a private suite where Walter had laid on a lavish feast of Hog Island oysters on the half shell, followed by Steak Mignon and finally Raspberry sorbet all washed down with the finest champagne.

"Walter you certainly know how to entertain" Jane said appreciatively.

"Despite her slight frame, I know the way to Teresa's heart is though her stomach" he responded, he only had eyes for Lisbon who wilted slightly under the combined attentions of Jane and Mashburn.

"So Teresa, how's work - still playing Dirty Harry while the bastards keep killing each other?" he asked with a smirk on his face knowing Teresa would understand his allusion even if Jane didn't.

Lisbon paused before answering "actually Walter I'm currently suspended pending further investigation."

"Teresa I'm so sorry, let me know if I can help. You won't be surprised to know I have friends in high places."

"Thanks Walter but it's all in hand, hopefully it will soon be sorted."

Mashburn turned to Jane " So Patrick, the good folk of California have to rely on you to uphold law and order then?"

"Sadly no, I'm also suspended probably permanently but enough of that - I see you have another business venture. Seriously Walter how many private boats and islands does one man need?"

Mashburn took in the measure of Jane "Jealous Patrick?"

"No believe me Walter, I have everything I could dream of." Jane responded holding Mashburn's look.

"Really Patrick? I do hope you appreciate what you have got." Mashburn replied meaningfully before turning his attention back to Lisbon.

Lisbon had been shuffling apprehensively as she watched Jane and Mashburn spar with each other and felt uneasy when she felt Mashburn's attention back on her.

"So Teresa, Patrick really? - I hope he makes you happy?"

"Yes Walter he does." she demurred.

"Then I hope your heart's desire does not disappoint" he responded enigmatically.

They continued affably exchanging anecdotes about some of Jane's outrageous antics and Walter's more audacious deals for the remainder of the meal. Mashburn brought the evening to a close as he was flying out to Europe the following day and had an early start. Mashburn was due back in a couple of weeks and invited them both over for a weekend at his mansion on his return, he had a new boat he wanted to take for a spin and was eager to show it off to them.

As they went out Mashburn whispered into Jane's ear "just be careful with my girl Patrick, remember I staked first claim."

Jane stiffened and responded coolly "Lisbon will make her own choices Walter", whereupon Mashburn reached out for Lisbon placing an affectionate kiss on her lips "Farewell for now Teresa, don't forget you are always in my thoughts."

They hardly spoke on the journey home Lisbon had not appreciated being played off between the two men like some possession and her ardour had certainly cooled by time they got home. She got herself a large glass of water and some aspirin before departing to her room alone.

Jane sighed, he had screwed up again but what was he supposed to do he could not stand by and let Mashburn work his charms.

Friedman was due to come over for lunch the next day so Jane tried to get some sleep, knowing they had a heavy day ahead.

Lisbon woke up a bit groggy and distinctly grumpy, it was going to take more than one coffee to bring her round this morning. Jane decided on the nuclear option a straightforward apology - "Teresa I'm sorry about coming over a bit caveman last night - Walter brought out the worst in me but I really should have known better. I hope I didn't spoil your evening."

"Seriously Jane you were both as bad as each other - I guess you were bound to respond given the provocation, no lasting harm done Fred" she said laughingly. "OK Wilma " he grinned.