Chapter 36: Austin Again

Apartment, Austin, Monday

Jane stretched languidly, glad to wake in his own bed. He snorted. Own corporate apartment bed – another glorified motel! He'd never voice that thought to Lisbon. Better than the attic, he allowed grudgingly.

It had taken another full week plus weekend to wrap up the interrogations in California. Most of the team got back Sunday night. Some agents would travel to interrogate Blake suspects in other states but he and Lisbon were done. Most of the Austin contingent would be busy with paperwork to wrap up the exceedingly long, large, complicated case. Aside from new cases, Jane would have time to pursue his own interests for awhile.

Lisbon clumsily swiped her hand over her head and burrowed farther into the pillow at the sudden chill as Jane delicately licked the rim of her ear and blew on it. A half-tickling, half-sensual feather touch ghosted down her spine. She rolled over to shield her back from the sensation. "Wha–" she mumbled, barely surfacing from sleep, to be met with a teasing kiss. She was kissing back before her mind caught up. "Dambbt–" she tried to speak around the onslaught of kisses.

Jane teased, and stroked, and kissed her into a passionate waking. She eagerly joined in long before she could muster a desire to resist. Damned annoying man! was her last coherent thought before merciless seduction overwhelmed thinking. They soon lay boneless and sated in a post-coital embrace.

"Hate when you do that, Jane," she muttered with singular lack of conviction.

"Uh-huh," he whispered, tickling her ear with his breath.

She lifted her head and glared. "I'm trying to be angry here! Cut it out."

He smirked, "Told you we needed to get busy."

"Not at the crack of dawn, dammit."

"You're irresistible, dear." He smoothly rolled out of bed to his feet. "Need to catch Abbott before the teeming masses arrive."

"Ugh, don't say that. Makes us sound like those disgusting flesh-eating worms."

"Nah, you're way prettier." He pecked her cheek. "I'll make coffee and croissants."

Lisbon grunted, partly mollified. Why the hell did I hook up with a crazy insomniac? –Former insomniac, but still! she mused fuzzily. Being sweetly satisfied thwarted every effort to stay mad. She dozed till Jane was dressed and out. The siren scent of coffee soon drew her to the kitchen. She poured a mug of freshly brewed coffee and enjoyed the sunrise from the couch. Fortified by caffeine, she showered and toweled off, tentatively deciding she'd live despite the early morning. She was drying and brushing her hair, then stopped and stared. Frowning, she wrapped the offending strand around a finger and pulled. "Ow!" and it was gone.

The ungodly hour left her with spare time even after dressing. Lisbon padded around, straightening and unloading her away bag after the two-week trip. Having forced the team to fly out without advance notice in the interests of secrecy, the FBI sprang for a couple of extra outfits in Sacramento. Some agents had extra clothes sent from home but, of course, she and Jane didn't have that option. Done, she looked around and sighed. It was nice enough, but still impersonal, still ... impermanent. Now that the Blake danger was over, Cho would move out – hell, be moving to Sacramento! – and she could have her apartment back. It was hers in the sense of a name on a lease, but her possessions remained in storage. It was now the better part of a year since she'd started with the FBI. After the moving allowances had run out, they stayed in the corporate apartments because of the Blake danger and chaos. Now moving made no sense when the plan was for Jane to get out from servitude to the FBI and return to California.

She bit her lower lip. Blake's over. We want to get back to Sacramento. How long will Jane's plan take? A sudden wave of melancholy surprised her. Everything was going the way she'd hoped, so ... why? Jane had listed his Malibu house for sale. She'd wished for that ever since she had seen the desolate bedroom he used to punish and goad himself for a decade. It's good he's cutting ties to the tragedy and depression, she assured herself. She instantly buried the thought that selling it meant one fewer tie to everything else as well.

FBI, Austin

Lisbon strolled in a bit early, courtesy of Jane's lustful wake-up call. The consultant was just leaving Abbott's office. They met in the break room.

"What'd you want with Abbott?"

"Cho's transfer. Closed case celebration."

Frowning, "Stop meddling, Jane," ignoring the latter.

He shrugged. "Not even first in line. Madeline's already bent Abbott's ear. And I quote: 'I'd snap him up in a minute.'"

"Really?"

He nodded. "It'll be fine. Cho's Blake plan guaranteed Abbott a promotion. He may be a stiff-necked–"

"Who?" asked Cho as he stepped into the room.

Jane turned with an easy smile. "The man who's going to arrange your transfer."

Cho leveled a hard stare. "Keep out of my business."

Jane replied jovially, "No choice. You'll be in Sacramento."

Cho frowned and left with his coffee.

Most agents on their floor focused on Blake paperwork for the day. Jane alternated between napping and cheerfully bouncing around, much to the annoyance of Lisbon, Cho and Wylie. Mid-morning the Blake team received an e-mail -

"Good work on wrapping up Blake. – M. Schultz, Regional Director"

– acknowledging nearly three years of work dismantling the nationwide, corrupt law-enforcement conspiracy. Weary glances rippled among agents still doggedly plowing through the dregs of the case.

After lunch, Lisbon was surprised as a steady stream of agents nodded, smiled or made genial comments to Jane as they passed by his couch. Lisbon turned to ask only to find he had stepped away. She caught Cho's eye and spread her hands in silent query.

"Read your e-mail."

"Huh?"

"Wylie helped him."

When she looked Jane's e-mail said,

"Help celebrate dismantling the Blake Association and restoring honest law-enforcement! Join me at Jordan's restaurant this Friday at 6 p.m. Buffet and refreshments. Families and guests welcome. My treat. –Patrick Jane"

She cornered him mid-way through his tea ritual.

"Jane, what are you up to?"

"Hmm?" he asked, eyebrows raised. "Oh, that. Don't you think destroying a nationwide conspiracy deserves a celebration?"

"To repeat, what are you plotting?"

He looked askance. "So suspicious." He tossed the spent teabag. "Notice any difference between my congratulations and Schultz's?"

"Hers was so grudging it was an insult."

"Yep."

"But there are 17 on Blake. With friends and family, you could be pushing 50. Isn't that gonna be a little pricy?"

He shrugged. "What's my freedom worth?" He wouldn't say more.

She refilled her mug. So it's connected to that. She left a little more unsettled than before.

Cho's Team, FBI, Austin

Just after end of the workday Cho called quietly, "Wylie, Lisbon, Jane. Fishbowl."

The four trooped in and sat around the conference table.

Cho waited till their eyes were on him. "I'm going on leave, effective immediately."

Lisbon and Jane exchanged glances. They were expecting it, but were surprised at how fast things were moving.

Wylie perked up. "Great timing – just after wrapping Blake. Vacation? Anywhere interesting?"

"Sacramento. Family matters. I-"

Wylie's enthusiasm dimmed. "Uh, family's always good. When will you be back?"

Cho's lips tightened a fraction. "Won't. I'm taking two weeks' vacation. Then permanently transferring to the Sacramento FBI office."

Wylie's face clouded in obvious disappointment till he regained his composure. "Oh," he swallowed. "Promotion or something?"

Now slightly frowning, "Vacant agent slot initially. Abbott's recommending me for team leader as soon as a position opens anywhere in the Sacramento region."

Lisbon broke the uncomfortable silence. "Cho, congratulations on getting what you need, on staying in the FBI. You're leaving immediately? Will you be back at all?"

"I fly out tomorrow morning. I'll be back a day or two this month to oversee the movers." He caught the gaze of each for a few seconds and cleared his throat. "It's been a pleasure and honor working with each of you. Lisbon, Jane – appreciate the chance to help finish up Blake. Wylie, you make a tremendous contribution with your IT skills, but remember you have talents beyond IT. I'll stop by next time I'm in town."

Jane smiled widely. After glancing at his two collegues, "If you can spare an hour, we'd like to send you off properly."

Cho looked down, then back up. "I'd like that. Give me ten to pack up my desk."

Abbott and Pike, FBI, Austin

"Have a seat," Abbott said as he casually motioned Pike in.

"Yes, sir?"

"You will be temporary SA for the Austin office for the next week. Lena's up for a big promotion in D.C. and you've already covered for me a couple of times. I'm giving you a heads up because I'll be out quite a bit more in the coming month."

Pike sat comfortably without fidgeting. "Sir–"

"-Dennis."

"Dennis, is there any longer term impact?" he asked straightforwardly.

Abbott rumbled quietly. "If Lena gets the position, I hope to relocate within the FBI in D.C. As a senior agent and team leader, you'll have a shot at my job, though," Abbott hastened to clarify, "Regional Director Schultz will make that decision, of course."

"Experience subbing for you can't hurt, right?"

"Right. –If you perform well, that naturally would be a plus." Pike straightened in the chair, assuming the meeting was drawing to a close till Abbott continued. "Marcus, the Blake project is pretty much wrapped up except for final reports which should be done this week. You're also going to be short-handed. Team leader Kimball Cho is relocating to Sacramento."

"When?"

"Tomorrow. He won't officially transfer till after two weeks' vacation, but you need a team leader immediately."

"Anyone you have in mind? Maybe someone from Cho's team?"

Abbott exhaled slowly, then shook his head. "All three under Cho are new to the FBI and ... it's complicated." Abbott's eyes flicked to the hall toward Fischer's desk then returned to Pike's face. "No. There isn't anyone I'd recommend on or outside his team, even for a few weeks."

"I know someone in the Phoenix office. Seasoned agent. Wants to relocate. Looking for a step up. Bet he'd sub so long as he'd be considered for team leader when the position opens."

"Who?"

"Richard Tork. –Agent Cho used to be with the CBI, right? And others on his team?"

Abbott nodded.

"Tork was too. Might make things easier if they already know each other."

Abbott tipped his head noncommitally. "Maybe. So long as he's an agent in good standing and Phoenix can spare him. No promises other than he would be considered."

"That'd be great. I'll get on it."

"Marcus, you're welcome to call me if necessary. But I hope you won't need to."

"Understood." Pike rose and shook Abbott's hand, pleased to have the opportunity and exposure.

Pike, FBI, Austin

"Rick? Marcus. Got a minute?"

"Yeah. Dead around here. Between cases."

"How'd you like to spend a couple weeks in Austin?"

"Appreciate the thought. Not wild about spending vacation time hanging around Austin."

"No, no. Sorry. I'm acting SA for the next few weeks. We're down one team leader. If Phoenix can spare you, was wondering if you'd like to sub."

"Wouldn't mind a break from the drug cartels and illegals. What's the deal?"

"You'll temporarily replace team leader Cho–"

"Kimball Cho?"

"Know him?"

"Yeah, from the CBI ages ago. Good agent. Had no idea he landed in the FBI."

"He's on vacation two weeks then permanently transferring."

"Will Abbott fill the vacancy?"

"Yeah. You'd have a shot at it."

"Definitely interested then. What kinds of cases?"

"Everything not a specialty crime. He has two agents and a consultant. One more agent next budget year."

"What are they working on now?"

"Nothing. Just finished helping another team take down Blake Association leaders." Pike had spent the afternoon getting up to speed on cases in progress or recently finished.

Puzzled, "Why a consultant then?"

"It's a little unusual. One agent is a couple years out of Quantico, IT specialist. The other agent is new to the FBI but she has a lot of experience – Teresa Lisbon. And the consultant is–"

Sharply, "Patrick Jane. Isn't it?"

Pike's "Yeah, why?" He thought heard, "Hadda be a catch" but wasn't sure.

Tork exhaled loudly, "Jeez, shouldda known."

"Rick, spit it out. You're still interested, right?"

After a long moment, Tork countered, "I'll catch the next flight and tell you over dinner – your nickel. It's one helluva story."

"Okay. Guess I should know if it's that big a deal." Definitely want to know what I'm inheriting if I replace Abbott.

Restaurant, Austin

Pike leaned back in his chair, sipping coffee after dinner. "So, Rick, what's this big story about the CBI you couldn't tell my by phone? I admit, there's lots of scuttlebutt floating around about Cho's team – mainly Jane. ... And Lisbon," he amended as an afterthought.

Tork grinned, enjoying the opportunity to share his amazement and irritation at long past gossip. "Short version or long?"

"Long. If I'm responsible for them, I want to know as much as possible. –Sides, that's one mighty fine woman."

Tork shrugged. "If you stay on her good side. She's got a temper and a mouth on her."

Pike grunted, uncomfortable agreeing or disagreeing.

Tork took a deep breath and began. "Minelli – the CBI director before Bertram – recruited Lisbon from SFPD. Lot of us had our doubts. Young. Female. But she was actually a top notch, straight-arrow agent. She had a young team. Cho, guy named Rigsby. And an old-school has-been Hannigan. Was doing good till Minelli saddled her with the nut job con man, Jane."

Pike frowned. "Just out of the blue?"

"Patrick Jane was a TV 'psychic.' –Fraud and con man, of course. He was stupid enough to diss a serial killer on air. Red John murdered his wife and kid that same night."

"Damn. That's about as bad as it gets."

"As I heard it, Jane showed up a year later wanting to know about the Red John case. Wouldn't take 'no' for an answer. Tricked his way into shadowing Lisbon's team on a different case. He helped ID the murderer and a corrupt judge. So – get this – Minelli decides to hire this con man to help with cases."

"Permanently?"

"Yup. He saddles Lisbon with Jane and she spends the next decade cleaning up his crap. Insulting politicians, fouling evidence, cutting legal corners. –She got to fix it."

"Why the hell did Minelli keep him?"

Tork's eyebrows rose halfway to his hairline. "Closed cases. He's dishonest, tricky, manipulative. And smart as hell. Useful. A couple years in, a crooked sheriff grabbed a gun after arrest and would'a shot Lisbon. Jane blew him away with a shotgun. So then she owed him too."

"Raw deal for her."

"Yeah it was. And it gets worse."

"Sure you're not pulling my leg, Tork? This is already hard to believe."

"I swear every word it true. And I haven't even gotten to the juicy stuff. Jane destroyed Lisbon's career. She might'a had a shot at Minelli's job when he retired, but she looked bad because of Jane."

"And?"

"Minelli takes Lisbon's team off the Red John case. Getting too close, fresh perspective, yada, yada. He gave it to another team. A Red John follower killed all four of 'em in the CBI so Jane would get 'his' case back. Four dead on his watch, his decision so Minelli retired a couple days later."

"Christ! What kind of security did the CBI have?"

"The killer was a CBI employee. The Red John serial killer was unbelievably twisted and powerful. Had a cat and mouse thing going with Jane and wanted him back." Tork relaxed and sipped his coffee, smirking at Pike's astonishment. "Want any more?"

"There's more?"

"Oh, yeah. 'Bout a year later Jane shoots a guy point blank in a mall, thinking he's Red John. Five-hundred witnesses. The guy wasn't Red John but had a girl chained in the basement repeatedly raping her. Jane talked the jury into letting him off."

"Wait, wait a minute. Air-tight evidence he killed a man and he gets off?!"

"Representing himself too."

Pike gulped more coffee, beginning to worry at what he just might inherit ... if he did get Abbott's job permanently.

Tork continued. "Bertram, Minelli's replacement, needed someone to take the fall for that whole mess. Set Lisbon up to get canned. Broke up her team. My boss got Cho and Jane." Tork was careful not to mention his boss's name. Rumor had it Haffner had been part of Blake before turning up dead a few weeks ago and Tork sure as hell wasn't going to open that can of worms.

"How'd that go?"

"Disaster. Jane screwed us all. Tricked my boss into embarrassing Bertram then blackmailed Bertram into hiring Lisbon back."

Voice serious and sharp, "Blackmail's a crime. Jane wasn't brought up on charges?"

Tork grimaced, "Jane's too shifty for that. No blatant quid pro quo. But Bertram brought Lisbon and her team back. My boss's career never recovered. He eventually left to start his own PI agency. Jane did get himself fired after burying a suspect to extract a confession," Pike's mouth fell open, "and dissing the special agent over Lisbon in public. There was something about him being in Vegas involved in drugs, fraud and stuff. Lisbon's team made another attempt at getting Red John. The special agent was killed by us, by the FBI, but the whole mess was hushed up."

They sat quietly with Pike trying to get his head around the lunatic he was supposedly going to manage and Tork reflecting on the near-unbelievable facts he knew were true.

Tork finally broke the silence. "Once I was in the FBI I and kinda lost track. –How the hell did Cho, Lisbon and the nut case end up here?"

Pike looked at him. "Art Theft doesn't have a lot of contact with the general crimes teams. Tell you what I've heard, though. –Lisbon's team exposed the Blake Association, then got caught up in the fallout of the corrupt California law enforcement. –You know Abbott's headed the effort to clean up that mess, right?" Tork nodded. "Her team also ID'd Red John. He was found dead in a park near a Sacramento cemetery along with a bunch of Blake members. Abbott thought Jane killed him–"

"Who?"

"Sheriff Thomas McAllister. Proved beyond question he was Red John."

"So why's Jane running around free?"

"Weak circumstantial evidence. Regardless, Patrick Jane fled the country. Abbott tracked him down and the brass forced him to offer Jane a deal. Jane works for the FBI for five years and no charges will be filed. He's got four more to go."

Tork snorted sourly. "Sweet deal. You say the brass was pushing this?"

"Yeah. As I hear it, someone in the AG's office thought Jane would be a great asset for the FBI."

Tork huffed dismissing that notion. "Huh. Minelli all over again. What about Cho? And Lisbon?"

"Cho applied and was accepted after the CBI was disbanded. Lisbon is here because Jane demanded her as part of the deal."

"Why the fuck would she sign up with Jane again?"

"Supposedly she was a police chief in some hick town in a rural county. Maybe getting into the FBI was enough for her to take the chance. Anyhow, Jane's pulled some stunts since he's been here, but nothing as outrageous as your tales. In fact, a lot of the agents like the guy."

Tork pressed his lips together. "Sure. Entertaining. Till he screws you over. Just a matter of time."

Pike sat back and looked straight at Tork. "Knowing all this ... crap, why do you want any part of it?"

Equally blunt, "I wanna move up. I can put up with Jane a couple weeks since I'll be in charge. If I get the job permanently, I wanna dump Jane anyhow, anyway I could, the sooner the better."

Pike gazed back soberly. "Can't say I blame you, Rick, after the CBI experiences. Let's make sure the next few weeks go well and maybe we both move up."

Tork smiled. "Hey. Can't think of a nicer guy, better agent. You deserve your shot, Marcus." The server dropped off the check and Tork handed it to Pike. "See you tomorrow, ready to dig in. Thanks again for thinking of me." They shook and left.