Chapter 35 - The Shadow State
It had all happened so quickly; the first shot had gone off by accident and Lisbon had been caught by the return fire from the security detail as she tried to move Cross out of danger. Bertram had witnessed it all at close quarters, but despite his grudging respect for Lisbon he wouldn't lose any sleep over her plight. It was one more potential problem solved.
Events had taken a wholly unexpected turn, and he needed to regroup quickly. There was no time to collect his things from his office, speed was of the essence. Unknown to Bertram, the SCU team had given Abbott a heads up on Jane's suspicion that something might happen. Abbott's team now had Bertram in their sights as he tried to make his getaway. The car park proved to be an ideal place for a take down, and no amount of Bertram's sweet talking or the high handed bluster that ensued would deter the FBI from taking Gale Bertram into custody. Bertram was whisked away to a secret destination well beyond the reach of his scions.
As soon as their initial fears had been dispelled Cho had managed to usher Jane into his car; they sped after the ambulance, allowing the medics to do their jobs unhindered. The journey to the hospital had been largely silent, neither man being disposed to perfunctory discourse. Cho kept a watchful eye on the consultant while they waited for further news of Lisbon, who had been rushed in for surgery. Thankfully it didn't appear that the injuries were life threatening. However Jane's lack of reaction was disconcerting, he seemed detached from what was going on. Cho had expected Jane to be an obnoxious bundle of nervous energy, annoying all and sundry in his demands for answers, but he was quite the opposite, part of him had just shut down. It wasn't the first time Cho had seen people react this way; in his days in the Special Forces he had come to recognise the signs of shock.
Attempts at conversation soon fizzled out, so Cho contented himself with forcing sweet cups of tea on Jane to keep him going. Realising what Cho was doing, Jane briefly acknowledged the efforts of his stoic companion, who had so adeptly read the situation. Van Pelt's attempt to smother Jane with concern was quickly halted by Cho's cautionary shake of the head, indicating it would be better to leave Jane to his own devices for now. Privately he arranged for Rigsby to get Jane's go to bag, it didn't look like he would be going anywhere soon.
The initial assessment from the hospital was cautious, the surgery on the internal injuries had gone well but there was some local trauma to the spine. Damage to a couple of the discs would require further surgery to stabilise the spine, once the swelling had subsided and the full impact of the damage was known. Unfortunately they would have to wait for Lisbon to come round before they could assess the full extent of the trauma; they just had to hope that when the inflammation subsided the pressure would be relieved on the spinal cord.
Cho wasn't entirely sure how much Jane had taken in; for now it was a waiting game. When Lisbon was finally wheeled back to the recovery room, Jane took his place by her side to keep a silent watch. His face was largely impassive, and he barely acknowledged the medics passing through making their routine checks. Accepting the need for hygiene, he had put up no opposition to wearing a gown over his clothes, despite the stifling heat. It was just another factor to shut out, as he mentally retreated to a safe place while they waited for Lisbon to come round.
The flicker of eyelids that signalled Lisbon's stirring alerted Jane to put on his game face, ensuring that when Lisbon came round his mask would be firmly in place. Gently taking her hand he waited patiently. A groan of discomfort was evidence of the inevitable onset of pain, as she slowly returned to consciousness.
Abbott was realistic about the task before them, they were not going to wave a magic wand and solve everything overnight. It was going to be a war of attrition. Bertram was only the tip of the iceberg, and inevitably there would be people willing and able to fill the void. It was well documented that the machinery of the deep state would just keep turning, regardless of who was in charge. It was no wonder it was so hard to effect change when the vested interests of the collective, that formed the so called shadow governments, could put a spoke in the wheel of the best laid plans.
There wasn't necessarily any alliance between the disparate members of the collective, which served the interests of finance, business, educators, unions, religion, law enforcement, the security forces and even organised crime. The list was endless and naturally the media was in a position to orchestrate it all. They were often on opposite sides of the argument, but it was irrefutable that their ability to promote their own agendas transcended the ability of the elected members to effect change. It made a mockery of the democratic process when the will of the people, and their elected representatives, held so little sway.
What Bertram had done so effectively, was to tap into a venal streak within the local collective that coalesced their interests, making them stronger and more powerful than normal. Their members had inveigled themselves into the very fabric of government, invisible yet omnipresent. The New Order had just been a convenient front for them, a banner of respectability to hide behind. Rutherford and her allies had been their stooges; they would have been allowed a degree of success for as long as they had the goodwill of the collective behind them. In the event of conflict of interests, the machinery of government would inexorably follow the diktat of the collective.
Although there was nothing he could do about it, Abbott knew that it potentially made his job tougher - there would be forces afoot to oppose any changes. It would be difficult if not impossible, to wean out all the subversive elements from law enforcement. Realistically he accepted that it would just be part of an ongoing process, and no doubt at some stage there would be attempts to regroup under a different guise. Abbott wondered whether the legislators were remotely aware of their impotence against the powers of the shadow state.
In a moment of reflection Abbott took a long hard look at his own unit back in Austin. Certainly there were weak characters that needed strong leadership, but they would work perfectly well in the right circumstances. How easy would it have been for someone like Fischer to be unduly influenced by a manipulative leader, and be led down the wrong track? Fischer had worked with Abbott for a long time, perhaps too long for her own good in many ways. She knew how he worked and was an invaluable deputy, but she sometimes went off the rails when things got personal. Abbott rarely had a cross word with her, but he had been incensed when he found out she had spent her time investigating the SCU, and Agent Lisbon in particular, instead of concentrating on the real culprits.
The SCU team weren't angels by any reckoning, but they formed an effective and cohesive unit that worked together with a common purpose to solve crime. Abbott was by no means the stickler they all thought him to be. He understood the need to be flexible with the rules at times, and admired the way Agent Lisbon had harnessed her team's abilities, and in particular those of her consultant, while broadly keeping on the right side of the argument, if not always strictly adhering to the rulebook.
As Lisbon and Jane were out of the loop for now, Abbott realised he would need to harness the resource of the SCU team to help flush out Bertram's operation. In a moment of inspiration, Abbott had persuaded Karen Cross to work with them. Cross was eager to build on Lisbon's sterling work, no doubt feeling responsible for Lisbon's current condition. She had asked for no concessions in respect of her own situation, though Abbott would not discount her assistance, when deciding what sanctions to levy against her. The pragmatic approach was to utilise Karen's knowledge, and run down her leads to their logical conclusion. If Lisbon's effort and sacrifice were to mean anything, they had to act decisively and without delay.
Fischer wasn't entirely comfortable with such an unconventional approach, but there was no denying Cross had infiltrated the deep state and knew exactly how to get to people. Ultimately the cases would be built on firm foundations, backed up by good old fashioned police work, and capable of withstanding the rigours of examination by the justice system. Abbott had no compunction about taking short cuts, and using all the resources available to him.
When Lisbon came round, it soon became apparent that she had little sensation in her legs. The medics assured them that this could be temporary, but nothing was guaranteed. The look of fear in her eyes, as the realisation of her situation made its way through her drug fuelled stupor, was truly heart breaking. Jane managed to keep up his act with her and give her the best support he could, but despite his words of comfort they both realised that their lives could be changed forever.
Jane's relief at the injuries not being life threatening, was tempered by the knowledge that someone as active as Lisbon would find it difficult to come to terms with the possibility of permanent disability, and the prospect of dependency. As Lisbon's drugs were eased off, she was able to form a more coherent idea of her prospects. Not wishing to be unduly pessimistic, she kept up an upbeat front for everyone else. She only allowed herself to indulge in her private fears, when she was finally left alone with her thoughts. Many a silent tear was shed in the depths of the night at the thought that she had chased down her last villain, and that their plans for the future may never come to fruition.
In the worst case, Lisbon wouldn't hold Jane to a life of looking after an invalid. She didn't know whether she could face the indignity of being looked after by a loved one. Not being the most patient of people and fiercely independent to boot, it was inevitable she would get increasingly fractious at not being in control of her own life. What would start out as a loving caring relationship had the potential to descend into rancour and bitterness. It was obvious Jane wasn't coping well now, so how could he possibly cope with the responsibility of an invalid? Lisbon could see beyond his mask, the eyes were dead, the smiles were hollow. Of course he did and said the right things for her sake, but it was patently an act and she rightly guessed that in private he was both depressed and angry.
For his part Jane wants to be a better person, but then part of him just wants to lash out at the unfairness of it all. The solicitousness of the team was wearing him down. If Grace gave him one more soulful look, he's sure he will snap. He feels like a selfish jerk, when Lisbon is undoubtedly the victim, but having plummeted from a feeling of heady euphoria beforehand to one of profound melancholy, a bumpy landing was inevitable.
As much as he wants to emulate Lisbon's upbeat attitude, he's gripped once more by the black dog of depression. He starts to dwell on the past and contemplates an uncertain future. The most logical of men in normal times, Jane starts to think this is an omen that their relationship was not meant to be. The black cloud hanging over them has altered his perception, the streak of optimism that previously carried him through the darkest times, had gone missing. All he could feel was the weight of another life ruined, he couldn't even wallow in self loathing, it was by no means his fault, but it was just so fucking pointless. Lisbon of all people didn't deserve this.
Cho recognised the signs of Jane slipping back into his old ways, although he didn't understand it fully he knew depression was an illness. The usual cajoling and plain speaking treatment Cho fell back on, were all to no avail. It's obvious Jane's just putting on a brave face to the world, but it's not working as well as Jane would like to think. Cho had conflicting feelings; part of him was just plain angry that Jane hasn't coped better, but he also knew how damaged Jane was, with all the baggage he'd carried round with him for years.
It just ate Cho up to see Lisbon's frown of concern as she worried about Jane, when all her efforts should be put into her recovery. Knowing Jane's antipathy to Doctors, it's unlikely that Jane would accept professional help or even admit there was a problem, so as a last resort Cho shared his concerns with Minelli.
On hearing the obvious concern in Cho's voice, Minelli pulled forward his planned visit by a few days. Trust that damn fool consultant to be wallowing in self pity, instead of stepping up to the mark for Lisbon. Although Minelli was well aware of the state of Lisbon's injury, it still took him aback to see her laid out in bed. Lisbon was the closest thing he'd ever have to a daughter, and he had to garner all his self control to put on his best face for her. Rather than risk overtiring Lisbon May had taken refuge in the coffee lounge, and the intention was to try and get her to use her skills as a counsellor to talk to Jane.
Needless to say Jane was irritable at being dismissed. "Why does everyone think they know what's best for us?"
Minelli bit back his initial reaction for Lisbon's sake. "We didn't want to overtire Lisbon, so May is taking a coffee and I thought you'd keep May company as a courtesy to me. For some reason that eludes me, she's rather looking forward to seeing you again."
Jane looked a bit sheepish; he muttered a quick apology in acknowledgement of the gentle rebuke before making his way to meet with May. Minelli noticed the flicker of concern on Lisbon's face as Jane left. Minelli resolved to nip this in the bud before it got out of hand, and he hoped May was just the person to do it.
The welcome on May's face as she saw Jane approaching was warm and heartfelt, a no nonsense hug and a gesture to join her helped put Jane at his ease. Not giving Jane the option to refuse, May informed him that she had taken the liberty of arranging some sandwiches and drinks. A grimace at being outsmarted was the only indication of Jane's irritation at being so skilfully handled.
"Virgil couldn't wait to visit Teresa, he really thinks the world of her you know. It's bad enough when any agents get injured, but Teresa was always a bit special for him. You know he's quite a softy beneath that gruff exterior of his." May blithely chatted away, taking note of Jane's reactions to the subject matter. "Of course we were worried how she would cope with her injuries. It must be hard to come to terms with, when you've led such an active life. Virgil reckons she'll just bottle it all up and won't say anything. So how's she really she coping Patrick?"
Hearing his name, Jane realised May was expecting an answer. "How do you think she's coping?" Jane snapped somewhat ungraciously. "She's scared stiff but trying to hide it from everyone."
"Surely she's not hiding it from you though?" May led Jane gently on.
Jane laughed bitterly. "Especially from me, she thinks I can't cope and thinks I don't know what she's doing."
May blinked at him through her glasses, taking in his nervous tapping of the table as his agitation increased. Undeterred she calmly pushed forward. "I guess it's in her nature to cope, from what I gather she's always had to. The prospect of giving up control must be terrifying for her. I don't suppose you find it easy either, being in the hands of people you don't know, having to accept their professional opinion when you're the one that's normally in charge."
"Well I'm not in charge now, I feel so helpless not being able to do anything." Jane's resentment was bubbling to the surface, his legendary self control had deserted him. He felt May's calm stare, she was slowly peeling away his mask and wouldn't let him hide from her. His lips were firmly set together in a futile act of defiance.
"It's alright to be angry Patrick, it's a perfectly natural reaction but rather than try to hide it why don't you harness it. You hate being managed and processed by people however good their intentions. I can tell it's only your natural politeness that is holding you back from venting your spleen on me." May blinked again, like some wise old owl that has seen it all before.
"Well I wouldn't rely on my politeness holding me back forever." Jane growled.
"Oh I don't Patrick. But as I'm sure you're aware I'm more than capable of giving back as good as I get. I won't handle you with kid gloves if you choose to lash out at me." May calmly held him in her gaze, refusing to be intimidated by him.
Jane couldn't in all sincerity vent his anger at May; he lowered his head in submission and smiled ruefully. "Oh you're good, very good at this." It was impossible not to lower his guard slightly in the presence of this honest, caring soul. "Virgil's a canny old bird leaving me alone with you; he always had a devious streak to him."
May poured them both another cup of tea, and pushed an empty plate in Jane's direction before motioning with her head towards the sandwiches. "Just humour me Patrick please."
Realising he actually was hungry, Jane reached out for some food. "You know you should carry a health warning. You blink away behind those glasses, slowly casting your spell until it's too late to do anything about it." Jane looked genuinely amused at the way he'd been suckered in, but he had to say he felt better than he had for days. Finally someone was talking to him openly without walking on eggshells. The conversation thereafter proceeded more easily, as Jane felt able to open himself to May without fear of judgement, and he openly admitted how much he had been struggling. Jane was by no means out of the woods, but at least there was a clearing where some light shone through, allowing him the luxury of clarity of thought.
As they made their way back to Lisbon's room, May allowed herself one moment of weakness. "I promised myself not to interfere too much, but if I may suggest Patrick a quick spruce up wouldn't go amiss. You have slightly scruffy vibe going on there."
Jane pulled her into a hug and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Virgil's a lucky, lucky man."
When they got back in the room Jane immediately saw a sparkle in Lisbon's eyes, she just inclined her head towards the bottom of the bed and wiggled her toes ever so slightly. Jane's face melted into a joyous smile as he rushed forward to hug her, both past the point of hiding their feelings by this stage, their tears fell freely.
Minelli swallowed hard; darn it if he hadn't got something in his eye. May took his hand and led him outside, they would come back later.
A/N My knowledge of spinal injuries is superficial to say the least, so you may need to grant me some leeway on this. I kept this largely descriptive as any dialogue I came up with between Jane and Lisbon just felt trite and clichéd.