A/N: Thanks for reading!

June 1927

By the following Saturday, Jimmy had caught wind that the carnival was in town. During mass, he kept getting her attention to ask if they could go to the carnival.

"Jimmy, that's not a conversation for right now!"

She continued sitting with her brothers during the service. Sam sat with them when he attended. Afterward, Jimmy and Stan usually came home with her for supper. On Saturdays, she made quick suppers that she could easily prepare before she and Sam would have to go on a run.

At first, she feared Sam would mind the boys being at the house so often, but he only kissed her sweetly and told her: "Teresa, your brothers are always welcome here! If they ever want to stay, that's fine too."

She got the potato salad out of the ice box and sat the plate full of ham salad sandwiches down in the center of the table next to the lemonade. She also had a bit of potato candy out. Sam really liked that, so she tried to keep it on hand.

Jimmy reached for the sandwiches. "Jimmy! Not yet. Wait for Sam to sit down!"

"Come on! I'm hungry!"

"James Matthew Lisbon! Where are your manners? You wait for the head of the household to sit down before you eat!" Another rule that as a boy who would grow into a man, he'd never have to really worry about. Still, he needed to respect that he was in Sam's home.

Sam walked into the kitchen, obviously overhearing Jimmy's antics. He grinned at her baby brother and ruffled his hair. "I'm here now! I wouldn't want to starve any growing young men."

As they ate, Sam asked Stan about his week and planned to listen to a ball game with both boys one day this week.

"Sam, did you know the carnival is in town?"

"Jimmy heard about the carnival and hasn't shut up since." Stan rolled his eyes, clearly tired of hearing their baby brother talk about this.

"I had heard there's a carnival here."

"Can we go tomorrow with T? Papa says your arrangement takes all of her time, but can we have her back for the day?"

She started to respond, but he intervened. "That's not true. Your sister always has time for you, and you're always welcome here. You know that!"

"So can we go to the carnival?"

Stan sighed. "I don't want to go."

"You don't have to go, Stan."

She looked at Sam, and he just shrugged his shoulders. "I'm with Stan. It's not something I like to do. But why don't you drive you and Jimmy down there?"

She nodded. "Sounds good to me."

"Yes! Thanks, Sam!"

He reached over and ruffled his hair again. "Anytime!"

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Sam decided to drive tonight. After dinner, they dropped the boys at home before getting off to their rendezvous point. Once they were a little out of the city, she moved over to the middle of the seat, sitting close enough for their knees to touch. He picked her hand up and kissed it.

"You made Jimmy's entire year at dinner."

He laughed. "I doubt that. He's a boy. He'll find something else that will make his year by next week. Just give him time."

"You might be right, but he was so happy. I love to see him happy."

"Just like I love seeing you happy." He threaded their arms together so that he could still shift with them linked.

"Hmm. If you weren't driving the car right now, I might kiss you."

"Oh?" Suddenly, the car swerved and he slammed on the brakes. "It would seem I've stopped the car."

She giggled. "I remember saying 'might.'"

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Teresa. Now, come on. I'll happily take my kiss."

"Turn the car off." He made a scoffing noise, but he did it anyway. She wasn't sure why she spoke to him with such authority, or why he obliged her, but she rode that wave of confidence as she brought one of her knees over his lap and came up to straddle him.

He grunted softly as she placed her arms around his shoulders. She kissed his left cheek. Then, she kissed his right cheek. "You're handsome."

He laughed softly. "Sweetheart, are you teasing me?"

"No. You tell me I'm beautiful all the time, but I've never told you that I think you're handsome." She could see his eyes shine under the moonlight as she captured his lips. He deepened their kiss. She wasn't entirely sure why she did it, but she started to rock her hips. He placed his hands on her hips to still them. "Hold onto that thought for when we get home."

She flashed him a mischievous grin. "What if I don't want to wait until we get home?"

"I hate to discourage you on this, I really do, but we have to get this shipment. I don't want to get out of this car looking like the boy that you make me feel." He grinned as he placed a kiss on her lips and prompted her to take the seat next to him, continuing along their journey with their arms linked together.

She was a little embarrassed by her actions. That was so brazen. Thankfully, he had another line of conversation.

"You know, I'm thinking about getting a new automobile."

"Really? What's wrong with this one?"

"Nothing. I just thought that since you're such a good driver now, maybe we could double our haul up. Besides, we will need a second car for the bar if we decide we want to take off some time."

"Aww. Tired of me already, Sam?" She was teasing, but he glared at her before he placed his hand on her thigh.

"I could be with you for 100 years and still never be tired of you." She blushed. "Would you be ok driving alone?"

"If you want me to, yes."

"Ok. I'll think more about it."

Things were smooth with the run. Once the boys were unloading the shipment, he took her hand and led her up to the front house, locking the door behind them. He immediately turned to face her and placed his hand on her cheek.

"Can I have a dance with you?"

She smiled. "Of course!"

He put on one of his softer jazz records before grabbing her and holding her close. "So you don't think I'm too old to be handsome?"

"What?"

He chuckled softly. "That was a little humor. But you do think I'm handsome?"

She paused for a moment. "You have kind eyes."

"Kind eyes? Hmm. I've never heard that before."

"And your beard is very soft. It gives you a gentle appearance."

"Do you think I'm gentle?"

She wasn't entirely sure how to answer the question. "Yes. You're a kind man. You're very nice to me...and to my brothers."

"Because you deserve kindness and love. Your brothers are good boys."

"You don't hurt me."

"No. I would never. You don't deserve that. Only love."

There was a period of silence between them as they swayed to the music. She looked up to meet his eyes. "Sam?"

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"Why do you think I'm beautiful?" She didn't believe herself to be ugly, but she also wasn't sure why he said it so often.

"Apart from your eyes that look like home, pretty smile, and firm, heavy teats?" She blushed a bit as she laughed.

He definitely appreciated her breasts. After they touched, he asked to start sleeping bare. Apparently, he only slept clothed for her benefit. Now, he wanted to sleep more comfortable again—and he asked her to join him. She was nervous at first, but then, she realized that Sam was asking her. He wouldn't hurt her. So she joined him—and each morning woke to some type of contact on her breasts. She didn't mind.

"Well, I love how you love people. You're very brave. And how you talk about things that make you passionate, like your books. I think that's beautiful."

She recalled how he didn't even know how to read when he used to stop by to collect papa's debts. Yet, he still listened to her prattle on about her books because apparently, he liked hearing her speak passionately about them.

"That's sweet, Sammy."

He chuckled, bringing one hand up to scratch his beard.

"So Sammy, huh?"

"What? Has no one called you that before? Do you not like it?"

"Well, not since I was around Jimmy's age. My mama used to call me that sometimes."

"Oh." His mama who disappeared when he was a boy. "I won't call you that again."

"No, sweetheart. I like it. It sounds lovely when you say it. Call me Sammy, but maybe not in front of everyone because if I hear that from near anyone else, I might knock their teeth in."

They both laughed before his lips met hers. "Sammy would like to worship his Saint Teresa now."

She blushed deeply. "I don't know if you should say that." Considering the acts involved, it felt especially shameful.

He laughed as he took her hand in his and led them to their bedroom. As shameful as it felt when he'd said it, his head buried between her thighs until her legs shook certainly felt like worship.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After getting a few hours of sleep, she was more than rested to take Jimmy to the carnival. He was so excited for the day that he was at their house before she was even awake. She drove them out to the outskirts of town where the carnival was set up. The whole way out, Jimmy never stopped talking about the elephants.

They walked around and visited a bunch of different booths. Then, she saw a portrait of Madeleine sat out in front of a tent. She would be performing today! After some snacks, she coaxed Jimmy into going to this one thing she wanted to do.

Madeleine performed several songs. Some jazz, some that sounded like they were hymns from church. Whatever she sang, she sounded amazing. She projected talent and confidence that Teresa wished she had. At the end of the show, they waited at the back of the tent, hoping to say hello. Luckily, she caught up with her.

"Miss Hightower!" The other woman looked over in her direction.

"Miss Lisbon, is that you?"

"Yes! We were visiting today. When I saw you perform, I knew I just had to stop and say hello!"

"I'm glad you did! And who's this? Is this your son?"

She was a little startled like she was anytime anyone asked her that question. She'd raised Jimmy since he was a newborn, but she wasn't his mother. When he learned to talk, he started calling her "mama," and she kept correcting him. Once, papa heard it, and he became so angry that half of her face was swollen for a week. She had to send Tommy to the bakery to tell them she was sick. Jimmy struggled with her name, but she eventually got him to say part of her name (T) and to understand that their mama went to heaven. What she didn't tell him was their mama died bringing him into the world—and he wasn't quite old enough to understand that yet.

Before she could answer, a man's voice interrupted her. "Of course not! That's her brother."

She looked behind her and found none other than Patrick Jane dressed in some ridiculously colorful get up. "And how do you know that?"

"He looks like you, but you're too young to be his mother...and I heard him call you by your name earlier."

"Oh! So you've been spying on me." This Mr. Jane was incredibly annoying, and frankly, odd.

He raised his hands in surrender. "I was only hoping I could apologize for our last meeting."

Jimmy raised his eyebrows in suspicion and puffed out his chest. She noticed it was something he did almost anytime he saw a man near her. Sam joked that he was just glad he met Jimmy at mass and before he perfected his swing. "I'm James Lisbon. Who are you?"

"I'm Patrick Jane. I work here."

Jimmy's eyes lit up. "You work at the carnival?"

"I do! I'm a psychic." He winked at her as he moved his hands in the air like he was unveiling something. "The Boy Wonder! Well, I need to change my name now. I'm not really a boy anymore."

"I don't think psychics are real."

"Ah, well, young Jimmy, it just depends on if you got the right one. See, I can tell you what your sister is thinking right now."

"What's she thinking?"

Now, Mr. Jane furrowed his brow. "Well, she's thinking I wish this strange man would be quiet...and something about my clothes, but I'm not entirely sure what."

That brought a deep blush to her face as Madeleine cleared her throat.

"Is that what you're thinking, T?"

"It's definitely what I'm thinking about this strange man being quiet."

Jimmy shrugged in disinterest. "Do you know where the elephants are?"

Madeleine and Patrick both laughed at his question. "Of course! Do you want me to take you to them?"

"You can take us to them?"

"I can! I can probably even see if we can get you on top of one if you want."

"Please! Take us to the elephants!" She had no idea where this fascination with elephants came from so suddenly, but she was happy that he was happy.

"Ok, if you two would follow me. Madeleine, are you coming?"

"No, I have to go prepare for another job tonight. Don't forget I need you to drive me!"

"You've got it!"

They followed Mr. Jane deep into a sea of tents. As she looked around, she realized this must be where the performers lived. After walking a while, but earning no complaints from Jimmy, their effort paid off.

"Hey Pete!"

"Paddy! Oh. You have guests?"

"This is Miss Lisbon and her brother Jimmy. Jimmy has quite the interest in elephants, and I was wondering if, as a personal favor to me, we could let him see Ella and maybe get on her."

The older man grinned. "For a personal favor from you? Absolutely! Come on, Jimmy."

Jimmy was practically skipping to the elephant. Mr. Jane hung back with her.

"I wanted to apologize to you…."

"You did. Several times."

"I know, but I also wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"For being so quiet about what I did and not making Madeleine suffer for it. It's just I forget how to be a normal person sometimes is all."

"I'm sure it's perfectly normal to pass judgment on other people that you've only just met!"

He scoffed. "Point taken. I was just a little off balance."

"A little off balance?"

"Well, I noticed you when you walked into that bar. You're beautiful." That brought heat to her cheeks. "But then, I saw the exchange of smiles between you and Mr. Bosco. It's a secret language of lovers."

"We're not!" Well, they were, but her affairs were none of his concern! It was a lot for him to presume, and she wasn't sure why she felt the need to explain anything to this stranger.

"You don't owe me an explanation at all!" He paused and ran his hand through his hair. "I thought you were smiling at me like that at first until I saw him."

She raised her eyebrows and started laughing. "Why would you think I was smiling at you?"

For a brief moment, she felt guilty as a brief look of hurt swept across his face until he spoke again. "A lot of women smile at me. It's due to my boyish charm." He rubbed his chin to play up his boyish features.

"You're really full of yourself, aren't you?"

"You know, as a pretend psychic, I have lots of tools for talking to women like yourself. They all failed me when I figured out…"

"Don't say it! What do you mean women like me?"

"Beautiful, but strong-willed, women."

"Now, you're just using sweet words so that I'm not mad at you."

He smiled a bit. "That's only half true. You are beautiful, and I can sense you are very stubborn. You aren't like most women I speak to."

"What kind of women are you speaking to?"

"The kind who are easily impressed by surface level charm. I don't get the sense that's you. Even if Mr. Bosco has a little money, I don't think that's how he charmed you."

She blanched a bit. Would people think that because she was younger than Sam, she was after him for money? He pursued her! Even if he liked buying her gifts, Sam's money didn't make him kind and loving. "You like to assume a lot about strangers."

"It's kind of my thing. I can sense little details that tell me a lot more than words can. I don't talk to the dead, I just sense what the living need to hear. But I'm sensing I've upset you again."

"How dare you openly flaunt that you're a fraud, while judging other people?"

"I wasn't passing judgment! I was just saying I think you're not easily impressed. Take the compliment, woman! And I'm not a fraud!"

"Well, I don't want your backhanded compliments!"

"So what does a girl want to hear?"

She rolled her eyes. "Probably not your assessment on my affairs!"

"Fair enough. Again, I'm sorry and thanks for not involving Madeleine. If I'm disturbing you, I can leave."

Huffing in frustration, she just folded her arms in front of her and looked away from him. She hadn't had a fight like that since she was at school. She had a temper that years of being around papa and having to work for wages made her good at keeping in check, but this Patrick Jane pushed every single one of her buttons!

"I didn't say anything because I think Madeleine is very talented. Sam-Mr. Bosco-would've pounced on you for sure and probably kicked her out too. She's very lovely and a talented singer. You're lucky to travel with her."

"Yeah, I'm glad she's with us. She's the first singer we ever took on and part of that is because of her sister, Sam. She's been with us for a long time."

"How long have you been here?"

"I was born on the circuit! Somewhere out in Nevada, I think."

"That's a long ways away from here!"

"We move around a lot."

"So you don't have a home?"

He laughed as he held his arms out to his side. "I do! You're in it!"

"But not an actual house?"

"Nah that's just an attachment that I don't need. Besides, why be confined by walls when you have the entire world around you?"

She smiled at that. "I've always wanted to travel, but I don't think I'll ever leave this city."

"Oh come on! You've left the city before, haven't you?"

She debated whether or not to tell him. However, it seemed when he wasn't jabbing all of your nerves, he had the kind of smile that made you trust someone. "When I go on runs with Mr. Bosco, we go into Michigan. It's usually at night though, but I just saw the lake for the first time."

"So that's what your job is then? I would've never pegged you as a bootlegger. You seem like someone with a head on their shoulders-well, not the kind for criminal activity-and a strong moral compass."

She laughed at that. "It's funny how it's criminal activity, and we are the criminals. I see lots of cops and politicians every day at the bar. Some even purchase private stock from Mr. Bosco."

He laughed. "That doesn't surprise me one bit. Laws for us don't apply to people in power. So you can drive the car fast and lead the coppers on wild chases? Huh. Would have never guessed it. You look too sweet to be involved in anything like that, but I suppose it makes sense."

"What makes sense?"

"Why he's so deeply in love with you. He's a barkeeper who found a nice looking, sweet woman who is into his business. She likes to live a bit on the wild side, but she's also very respectable. It suits his need to run a criminal enterprise while also looking the respectable businessman within the community. You must be his dream come true."

How did this conversation end up back here? "Not that it's any of your concern, but he is respectable. He's a good man! While you stand in judgment again, what about your own misdeeds?"

"Pardon?"

"Oh don't tell me that you don't take money from people in pain by promising them healing while you just pull something out of thin air!"

He nodded. "I know what I am. I've broken no laws!"

"Maybe not, but you've probably broken a lot of hearts. Doesn't that bother you?" He averted his eyes. "And why do you care so much about me or Mr. Bosco?"

He shrugged. "No reason." His reaction was peculiar, but after that, they stood in silence until Pete was lifting Jimmy off of Ella.

"Thanks, Mr. Pete and Mr. Jane! T, this was so awesome!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, James."

"My friends call me Jimmy. Since you took me to Ella, I guess we're friends, so it's Jimmy!" Even if she weren't entirely sure she'd extend such courtesy to Mr. Jane, she smiled at her outgoing baby brother.

"Well, all right, Jimmy! If you're ready, I will walk you guys back out front."

Mr. Jane escorted them out to the main area, mostly looking at the ground as they walked. She felt a bit bad. After being upset at his judgment, she judged him.

"T, can I get a funnel cake to take home?"

"Sure." She gave him some coins to go purchase the delicacy.

Jane stood there as Jimmy took off for his funnel cake. "Look, Mr. Jane…"

"You can call me Patrick, you know."

"Patrick, I'm sorry for being so judgmental."

"You have no need to apologize. You called a spade a spade, really. I've just never had anyone see through me that quick...or ever really. I just wanted to make your acquaintance, and I did a terrible job at it. I'm sorry that I've upset you."

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Patrick. I look forward to seeing you if you accompany Madeleine again. I hope we get off on a better foot."

He grinned. "Me too."

Jimmy was back. She needed to get home to make supper because he was already exhausted. After saying their goodbyes, she drove them home. All through supper, Jimmy detailed the carnival and the time he spent on Ella the elephant. Not at all to her surprise, he immediately began asking when they could go again.

A/N 2: I wonder what it could be that has Jane acting that way...