Chapter 37: By Any Other Name
Jane and Lisbon
Layered clouds filtered light from the setting sun. The undersides glowed pale yellow in air washed clean by winter rains, then shaded to smoky purple as dusk deepened. Lisbon and Jane nestled together on the couch, lights off. They enjoyed a softly gathering darkness made beautiful as lights flicked on across the city. Piles of brochures, catalogs, and samples testified to an afternoon of choices.
Snuggling closer under his arm, Lisbon folded her legs alongside her. "Feels good to have all those decisions made, Jane."
He idly twirled a lock of her hair, rubbing silky strands between thumb and forefinger. "Mmm. You solid on all this? Bill won't want us changing our minds after he places the orders."
She nodded in satisfaction. "I am. Never knew there were so many decisions in building a house."
He chuckled. "Just be glad you're working with the mellow, reasonable Patrick Jane. Angie and I argued over the wood flooring for a month. And about the finish on faucets for weeks."
"Is the 'mellow, reasonable' part why there are 20 pieces of wood on our coffee table?" she asked, stretching out a leg and nudging a jumbled pile of wood samples with her toe.
He kissed her temple. "That's the 'Teresa is stubborn' part."
She gently elbowed him in the ribs. "Pot to kettle. –It feels kind of self-absorbed. Me, me, me. Everyone's catering to our whims like we're celebrities or something."
He looked at her curiously. "Do you feel anything is over the top decadent? Pretentious?"
"Not really. Just a new experience."
He inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. "This will be a year for lots of new experiences."
"Oooh! Psychic Jane! With two babies and a new house. What insight!" she teased. Serious again, "Sorry I didn't want to do anything for New Year's Eve, Patrick."
"It's fine. No need to push it when you're incubating our rugrat."
She frowned, "I could do without being constantly short of breath. And the other stuff. Half the time I feel like that poor guy in Alien." He looked at her blankly. "Never mind. Better you don't know." She winced then smiled and pulled his hand over her belly. "Feel that?"
A goofy grin bloomed on his face as he bent over. In a stage whisper, "Take it easy on mom, okay? You've got three more months in there. Can't go wrecking the place!"
Lisbon struggled to free herself from under Jane's arm. "That's my cue for a pit stop. She leaves less room for organs and pee." They both got up. She moseyed back to the bathroom while he went into the kitchen. They returned at the same time. Lisbon snapped on a lamp and dimmed it to a soft glow. Jane set down two flutes of a sparkling, amber liquid.
"Jane, I cant drink th–"
"Sparkling non-alcoholic cider, my dear. Just how irresponsible do you think I am?"
Sipping the delicious liquid, she murmured, "Not as much as I once did. You turned out surprisingly well."
Smugly, "Told you." Smile fading, "The further in the past it all is, the easier it gets. I owe you so mu–"
"Hey!" she interrupted softly. "It's New Year's Eve so let's focus on the future." She long ago decided to fight his ingrained impulse toward guilt and self-recrimination. Both were unjustified and harmful to the man she loved.
He cleared his throat and shifted position, trying to redirect his thoughts from unwelcome, well-worn patterns. "You wanted to talk about something?"
"In three months we're going to be parents." A random thought flitted through her mind. How will we ever explain where babies come from with a surrogate involved? She firmly set that aside. "Gotta think about child care. I'll be home a while after delivery, but I'll need free time to get back in shape as an agent." Her expression warned against even a hint that she wouldn't get back to fieldwork.
"What do you have in mind?" It was force of habit. Jane automatically asked about her ideas before revealing his own.
"Child care center? If we signed up tomorrow, we might get two spots in a good one by May."
He tipped his head uncomfortably. "Not much flexibility. Difficult if we're both in the field."
She puffed her cheeks then nodded. "Big drawback."
"There's more." He rolled his head to relieve tension. She moved closer and started kneading his shoulders. "No guarantee every last Blake member is gone. And there are other perps with a grudge." She nodded, mouth suddenly dry. He continued, "A child care center isn't equipped to protect our kids. Worse, a hostage or revenge situation might endanger others." Half-turning to face her, "Teresa, I'm really uneasy with a child care center."
She leaned back against the couch and gave his thigh a comforting squeeze. "You're right. That's off the table."
He sagged back against the cushions in relief. "What else?"
"A nanny? Live-in, or, just during the day?"
He sipped his drink and paused. Finally, "Teresa, what would your ideal nanny look like?"
Slowly, "She'd have to be responsible. Experienced and good with kids. Kind. Patient."
"And?"
"Well, ideally, she'd be on the same wavelength. You know, share our values and notions about raising kids. Educated and intelligent would help once our kids are toddlers or older." She looked sideways at him, "Especially if she has to cope with the brilliant troublemakers you've likely spawned."
"All my fault, huh?" he muttered, smiling.
"Um, I don't like the idea of our kids getting attached to someone only for her to leave. So, I'd want her to be here for – for years, I guess."
"What about love?"
Taken aback she straightened. "I hope she'd come to love our kids. I assume anyone who's good with young children would naturally get close." He made no comment. "Patrick? What do you think?"
Instead of answering he asked, "Teresa, who does that sound like?"
"I don't know anyone available for child care yet. We'd have to search."
"Not what I mean. Responsible, kind, patient, intelligent, educated. Same values and child rearing ideas. Someone who loves our children willing to make a long term commitment. - Who are you describing?"
She closed her eyes. "Oh, God. I'm describing us. That's your point isn't it?"
Softly, "Yeah."
"But then I'd have to quit work. Be a stay at home mom." Tentatively, "I could but was hoping I wouldn't have to."
He looked sharply at her. "No. Your career means far more to you than working cases does to me. If one of us has to stay home, it should be me."
She shifted away, leaning against the corner of the couch to look at him directly. "That's no good, Jane."
His head came up with a jerk. "You don't think I'd be a good parent?"
She hugged him immediately, kissing his cheek and mouth. Heart aching at his insecurity, "You'll be a wonderful parent. I don't think it would be a good for you."
Relieved, he shook his head a little. "I don't follow you. I'll love having children again."
"Jane – Patrick, you spent years profoundly alone. And I think I'm safe in assuming infants don't provide a lot of intellectual stimulation. It wouldn't be good for you. Little to keep your mind occupied, away from me and the team."
He shrugged, "Well, maybe it could be part time, then."
"But then we're back to looking for a nanny who's our clone."
He took a deep breath. "What do you think of extended family? Grandparents or the like?"
Her eyebrows furrowed. "Not funny. My brothers are scattered around the country, our parents are dead. – Or, if Alex is still alive we wouldn't want him around any of us. What are you saying?"
"Hear me out?" She nodded. "We've talked about how the team is like family. Extended family doesn't have to be blood relatives. Pete and Sam took it upon themselves to make sure I had food, hid me from Alex when he was drunk and violent, all but took me in. You see how their kids turned out – a doctor, a teacher, and a good family man. What if we hire them to care for our babies? Almost–" he swallowed a lump, "almost like grandparents?"
A confusion of expressions flitted across her face. "I don't know, Jane. Carson Springs is an hour away and the area is bad. I'm not comfortable with–"
"Here, in our house."
She raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Here?" she squeaked.
He nodded. "They could bring their RV during the week. That way there's no commute, no rough neighborhood. When we're home, they have their privacy and we have ours."
"Wow. Never expected that." Uncertainly, "How do you see them fitting the criteria we listed?"
"Pretty well. Teresa, I know you have reservations about the carny lifestyle and values, but they raised me. Ally says Sam's looking at the baby she's carrying as though it's another grandchild. Yeah, they don't have much education, but they're smart and street-smart. Our kids would be a lot safer with them than some clueless nanny who's never seen the rough side of life."
"What about the anti-cop stuff?"
He smirked, "You've already changed Sam's mind. And I could convince her to lay off. Most important, they would love our kids and stick with this long term."
Realization dawning, "That's what the parking pad off the driveway is for, isn't it? And a way for them to retire from the carny circuit." Not waiting for a reply, "Dammit, Jane! We're s'posed to hash things out before you charge off on your own!"
"Teresa! I won't raise it with them unless you agree."
Mollified, "You haven't mentioned it yet?"
"No. I sounded Ally out to make sure the kids would be okay if I got Pete and Sam off the carny circuit. And I fished around to see if they want off the circuit. That's all."
"Patrick Jane, you keep throwing me for a loop. – But I can see the advantages. How long have you been thinking about this?"
He unconsciously hunched his shoulders, not knowing whether this would wind her up again. "August."
"Should have known. You're devious."
"But with good intentions and ideas, right?"
She gave him a faux growl, "Maybe."
They toasted the New Year with sparkling cider.
Lisbon and Hightower
Madeline Hightower knocked and stepped into Lisbon's office.
"Director?"
Lisbon welcomed her with a smile and waved her to sit. "Madeline. Have a good vacation?"
"We had a wonderful time. No one broke anything," Hightower responded, commenting on her family ski trip to Vail. "And your Christmas?"
"Quiet." She smoothed her top over her belly. "This kind of puts a crimp in wild celebrations."
"Wild celebrations. Exactly my image of Teresa Lisbon." She winked and smiled. "'Course, Patrick is another story."
"Thank you, by the way. Jane loves the cashmere scarf. And my fur-lined gloves are great on cold mornings like this."
"My pleasure. The truffles didn't last long. Or the fruitcake." She frowned, dismayed by the realization. "And I hate fruitcake. –But not Jane's."
"I'll tell him, though his ego is quite healthy enough. Now, about funding for the training program..."
They went over CBI business until rumbling from their mid-sections reminded them of lunchtime. The new year hadn't gotten into full swing. Work was still relaxed. Lisbon invited Hightower to lunch at a quiet, upscale restaurant.
Hightower ordered in French, and handed her menu to the server. After Lisbon made her choice they settled back and sipped their soft drinks. Hightower looked quizzically at her. "Am I right this isn't purely social?"
"You know me too well."
"Seven years. You've gone from a stubborn senior agent struggling to ride herd on Jane to Director. Your team got Red John and brought down Blake. And now you're fixing the CBI." She raised her glass, "To a revitalized CBI."
Lisbon's glass rang softly as she tapped Hightower's. "Madeline, you're just lobbying for me to remain Director."
"You earned it. You've already accomplished more than most. And there's more to be done."
"The CBI is on the right track. It needs leadership with integrity, competence, and political savvy to finish the job. I want that to be you." She sipped her drink. "You're better suited to lead the CBI going forward."
"You're getting good at politicking and shmoozing," she said encouragingly.
"Maybe. Problem is I don't want the job."
More heatedly, "For heaven's sake, why not? You could be at the top of LE in ten years."
Softly, ratcheting down the tension. "Madeline, the CBI could be your springboard. I spent a decade hunting Red John then another year reforming the CBI. I'll never get those years back. Jane will never get them back. We've started a family and I want to have time and energy for them. You're kids are at a different stage."
Trying a different tack. "Is Patrick pressing you?"
"No. He supports whatever I truly want." Lisbon leaned forward. "Madeline Hightower, since I don't want it, do you want to be Director of the CBI?" Both leaned back as the server arrived with their entrees.
Hightower shook out her napkin and waited till the server left. "If you don't want it, yes, I would like to be CBI Director."
Lisbon smiled. "I want you to assume the position when I go on maternity leave. And I hope you'll stay two years or more."
"I'd need several years to make my mark. Why not wait till after maternity leave?"
"No point. It will be easier on me and an easier transition for the CBI."
Hightower delicately nibbled at her food. "What do you want when you're back from maternity leave?"
"I want to lead a team again. Cho's got the SCU. Maybe I could take another unit. Or a second unit could be assigned to serious crimes."
"Frank Gephardt is retiring in May, so that frees up a senior agent slot. I assume you and Jane will want to work together."
"Yes."
Hightower sighed, discomfited at Lisbon's decision but excited for her own career. "What do you need me to do?"
"I'll sound out the AG. I'll push for him to immediately appoint you to the position - no 'Acting Director' BS. –I need you to tell the Governor you want the job. You're in his political inner circle, right?"
"The Governor and I have a good relationship. I'm pretty sure he'd support me unless the AG was strongly opposed. Time frame?"
"I'll talk with the AG next week. You broach it with the Governor first thing week after, if possible."
"Will do."
"Now let's enjoy our lunch. The food here is delicious."
Jane and Cho
Jane repeatedly glanced at Cho as they drove to the construction site. Rigsby and Van Pelt had taken the Monday for a long weekend. Crenshaw was using her lunch time for an appointment.
"What?" Cho asked, tiring of Jane's stare.
"You got a job offer from ... Mancini?"
"Get out of my business."
"Cho, I'm not being nosey. – Well, I am, but there's a bigger purpose."
Irritation rolled off Cho, who refused to look at Jane lest he get more clues to read.
"You're not irritated at me. You're irritated because the offer doesn't solve your problem."
"I am irritated at you. Drop it, Jane."
Continuing unfazed, "You don't respect Mancini and wouldn't work for him. You ... would work for Abbott, but Austin doesn't do anything for you. And even less for Crenshaw."
They pulled up to the house and got out. Cho walked around the BMW, stepped close to Jane and leaned one hand against the SUV, pinning Jane against the car.
"My personal life is not grist for your entertainment. Back off."
Despite Cho's apparent menace, Jane responded calmly. "I'm not messing with you, Cho. I have an idea on how to solve this, how to keep the team together and permit a personal life. But I need you and the Rigsby's and Crenshaw to give me a month to set it up. Will you hold off considering any career changes till the end of February?"
Cho closed his eyes and breathed out. Finally, "Okay. End of February. Can't speak for the Rigsby's or Crenshaw."
"Thanks, Cho."
"Jane?" He turned back to look at Cho. "Mind your own business till then." Jane nodded and then they went into the nearly finished house.
HVAC, plumbing, wiring, insulation and drywall were done, except for finishing touches. The walls were painted. Flooring was being installed after which the doors would be hung. Bathroom fixtures, appliances, trim and electrical fixtures would be done during February, along with a host of exterior work. Cho was interested in everything.
"Bill says he'll meet the deadline. Lisbon and I will have March to set up and move in."
"Better plan to do most of it."
Jane showed a flash of annoyance. "What do you think, Cho? I'm going to dump it on my eight-month pregnant wife?"
Cho back pedaled. "More like you'll have to tie her down to keep her from doing too much." Jane relaxed. Noticing the cement block room on the floor, "What's this?" Cho asked.
"Three safe rooms, one per floor, They're stacked with pull-down stairs to connect them. A tunnel leads to a hidden exit several hundred yards away. Fire proof, bullet proof. Independent source of air." Jane looked away, tried for casual, "I'll sleep better."
"It's smart, Jane. This looks defensive. Any offensive capability?"
"What?"
Patiently, "This is geared to get your family out safely." Jane nodded. "It could also trap an attacker."
Surprised, "What do you have in mind?"
Cho sketched out his ideas. Jane called the general contractor over and had Cho repeat his thoughts. Before they left, Cho suggested Jane get the names of everyone who worked on the house. Anyone with a serious grudge would bribe a construction worker for information about the security measures. Cho was taking him seriously. Jane found that comforting. And unsettling.
Jane, Van Pelt and Rigsby
Rigsby happily finished off the cartons of Chinese food left by Jane and his wife. She and Rigsby exchanged glances.
"Okay, Jane. What's up?" she asked.
His eyebrows rose. "What makes you–"
Rigsby answered first. "You pumped me for information last month about child care of all things. And now–"
Van Pelt finished, "-you go out of your way to get the two of us alone for lunch. What's up?"
He leaned back with a grin. "Astute. I must be rubbing off on you."
"Like newsprint. Out with it, Jane."
"Rigs, Grace, I'm trying to keep the team together." They traded looks again. Jane continued, "Away cases are tying you two in knots. And Cho and Crenshaw would be dating except for CBI rules."
"So?"
"So what if I could get the flexibility you need, get Cho and Mykaela out from under the rules?"
"What's it cost us?" Rigsby asked bluntly.
Jane stilled for a moment. He looked at each. "With a little luck, nothing."
"What do you need from us?"
"Time, Grace. Can you two hold on till the end of February – no job changes, no transfers, that sort of thing?"
She frowned in thought, sipping her green tea. "We don't want any changes. Do you really have a plan?"
"Yes."
"You'll tell us? Before you do anything that affects us?"
"Yes."
"Okay," Rigsby spoke for both.
Lisbon and Jane
Lisbon whapped his hand away from the budget printouts she was studying. "Jane, stop pestering me. Five minutes and we'll make dinner."
He picked up a previous month's printout. "Lisbon, does this show the overhead for positions in the CBI?"
"Sure. Why?"
"Show me how much extra the indirect costs add to a position's salary. Costs for things like health insurance, pension, sick days, vacation, educational reimbursement, disability. All those expenses for agent positions."
She laid down the papers she was studying. "Why?"
"To keep the team together."
"Gonna clue me in sometime, maybe?"
He smiled his 'distract them and duck the question' smile. "Absolutely. Just need the budget numbers to fine tune my plan."
She closed her eyes and consciously relaxed. "Okay, take them and study whatever you want. But you're telling me the grand plan before you do anything, got it?"
"Yes, Boss." He kissed her and wandered away with the sheaf of papers.
Cho and Crenshaw
"Dinner when we're done?"
Easy smile, "Sure."
Soon after, they finished target practice and were sharing a booth at a bar and grill restaurant chain.
"Mykaela, if it weren't against the rules, would you like to date?"
She sipped her Coke, intently searching his face. "Cho, there's a long history of black women going with their bosses. It doesn't end well for the woman."
"If you didn't report to me and it wasn't against the rules?"
"Cho, I like you. I also like this job. I don't want to jeopardize my career for a, a fling."
His expression darkened. "I want more than casual dating."
After a long moment, she fished money from her purse, tossed it on the table and rose. "Talk to me when there's some way around the rules, around the boss-employee thing." She waited till he paid his share. They walked out together, wistful and determined, respectively.
Pete and Sam Turner and Jane
It was unusually warm for late January, so Jane and the Turners sat outside enjoying the good weather. Rose and Roddy Turner stopped by with Kaitlin and their new baby - now a toddler - and Jane took time to catch up and push their kids on the trailer park's swingset. After catching up on news, Jane finally turned to the reason for his visit.
"Patrick, I don't want money to watch your kids."
"Sam, we would pay for child care anyhow. This is better. Like having family watch our kids. If you do this instead of the circuit, you'll need to replace that income."
At mention of the circuit, Pete Turner weighed in. "Paddy, never took charity in my life. Ain't gonna start now." He said gruffly, "Won't be beholden to anyone."
"You'd be doing us the favor. We need someone to watch our kids who's street smart to keep them safe. Some white bread mark wouldn't have the instincts."
Sam looked skeptically at him. "And if we don't? What'll you do?"
Jane took a deep breath, realizing at that moment what his decision would have to be. "I'll watch them. Teresa loses more if she cuts loose from the CBI than I do."
Pete spread his hands. "Paddy, what the hell will I do stuck at your house during the week? Even with the Airstream."
"Pete, you can fix almost anything. The neighborhood's filled with people who have too much money and too little time. You could pick up handy man work, especially after their CBI cop and consultant neighbors vouch for you."
Pete sat back, unconsciously rubbing the knee that had been replaced a year earlier.
Jane added quietly, "And I'd like you to teach our kids like you taught me. Kids learn more by using tools than reading about them. There were lots of good times helping you." Pete noisily cleared his throat.
Sam saved them from the moment. "Patrick, how much money are you talking? I need to see if we could afford to drop the circuit."
"You agree it's fair to pay you what we would otherwise pay a nanny?"
Pete answered, "So long as the numbers are real. No handouts."
Jane smiled, knowing he had them. "I just happened to bring the brochures Teresa was looking at. These are the places she considered. Those fees are per child, so double them. But we should probably go with what a nanny would cost – here." He put down a second set of brochures for screened, experienced nannies.
"Patrick, that's more than we make on the circuit."
He gave her a hug, "Then you'll do it!" It wasn't a question.
Sam said dryly, well-practiced at resisting his charm. "We'll try it. Pepper's okay with this?"
"So long as you lay off bad mouthing cops. You know."
"I can do that. But only because it's Pepper."
Jane drove back to Sacramento, satisfied another piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.
Lisbon and Richardson
"...yes, Stephanie. I did tell Dr. Richardson I was taking my blood pressure mornings before work and when I get home. ... It stores about a hundred readings. ... Sure I can bring it to my next appointment. Is there something wrong? ... So she just wants to double check. I'll be there tomorrow, eight o'clock."