- How was school? - Jane asks as Charlie enters the car. The girl throws her backpack in the backseat and fastens her seat belt.
- Tiresome – she replies, yawning.
- Well, light up, I have a surprise for you.
- For me? What? Where?
- Well, to be fair, it's Lisbon's surprise. But I think you'll like it. It's at the CBI.
- And what is it?
- If I told you, then wouldn't it be a surprise, would it? - Jane laughs. - You'll find out soon enough.
When they walk in the CBI, Jane walks Charlie to Teresa's office, where they see a girl around Charlotte's age wandering around. Charlie gives her father an inquisitive look, and Jane smiles at her.
- Come and meet Lisbon's niece – he says, opening the door.
- Oh, hey Charlie. Come on in. - Charlotte and Jane get in the room as Teresa continues to speak. - Charlie, meet my niece, Annabeth.
- Annie – Annabeth corrects her.
- Annie, this is Charlie, Jane's daughter.
- Nice to meet you – Charlie says with a smile. She automatically liked Annie, for some reason.
- What did you do? - Annie asks.
- What do you mean?
- Why are you here at the CBI instead of… somewhere else?
- Oh, that. I didn't do anything. I've been spending time here since… ever, I guess. Did you do something to be here?
- Aunt Reese here got all worked out because I was helping my father – Annie answers, rolling her eyes.
- You were with a gun, and you almost got shot – Lisbon replies, exasperated.
- You were in the field? So cool! - Charlotte turns to her father and Lisbon. - Why can't I go to the field? You guys never let me follow you!
- The field is no place for kids – or teens, for that matter – Lisbon replies. - Annabeth shouldn't be there either.
- Annie – both Annabeth and Charlie say at the same time. Annie smiles at the blond girl. - Tell me that Aunt Rees at least taught you to shoot.
- No, she did not.
- And she won't – Jane cuts them off. - You know what, why don't you two come with me. Aunt Reese here has a lot of work to do, and I believe we can think of ways to spend our time – he winks at Charlie, who immediately smiles and takes Annie's hand.
- Oh, come, you'll like this – and they both run off the office.
- Jane… - Teresa calls.
- Don't you worry, Lisbon – he says. - I know exactly what I'm doing.
- Yeah, that's what I'm afraid – she murmurs as Jane leaves the room.
- Two fingers. Just dip and remove. No hesitation – Jane explains.
- Like that – Charlie says, passing by her father and picking his wallet.
- Want to give it a try? - Jane asks Annie as he puts his wallet back in his pocket.
- Okay – Annie affirms and goes around Jane. - Did you feel that?
- Just slightly. Did you feel that? - he shows Annie her cellphone.
- You're good.
- He's the best – Charlie grins, proud.
- Picking pockets, nice – Lisbon's voice startles them. - You've decided to form a gang?
- Oh, I promise I'd show her if she'd tell me her best Auntie Reese's stories – Jane explains.
- Don't you dare – Lisbon tells Annie.
- Of course not. I was just stringing them along.
- Oh, you were, were you? I guess I won't give you this then – Jane says, holding up Annie's cellphone.
- Hey!
- Annabeth – Lisbon starts.
- Annie – the three of them reply together.
- Annie. Charlie. Jane and I have to go to work. You guys mind hanging out in my office?
- Sure – Annabeth replies.
- Bye, sweetie – Jane says, kissing his daughter on the head. - See you later.
- Bye – Charlie answers them and turns to Annie. - Come. Uncle Rigsby is an easy mark if you want to keep practicing.
- Go – Charlie tells Annie as they walk into the bullpen. Rigsby's on the phone, and Grace is entertained with whatever it is she's looking to on the computer.
- Hey – Annie approaches Wayne's desk.
- Hey – he replies.
- You were just calling in a BOLO for O'Brien, right?
- Yep.
- Nice. Can I ask you a question?
- Sure.
- Your Sig Sauer – is that a .357, a .40, or the 9-millimeter?
- It's a 9 millimeter.
- Great gun.
- Thank you.
- Hey. Forensic just came back – Grace interrupts them. - No print off Chief Green's cruiser. Killer must have wiped out the car. You got anything on O'Brien's family in his file?
- Uh, his parents are dead; he's an only child – Rigsby replies as he runs his eyes through the folder.
Annie looks at Charlie, who's standing near Grace. The girl nods once to give Annie some encouragement. Annie decides to share what she knows while Charlie approaches her and Wayne.
- If you're looking for leads, check out the ex-girlfriend. My Dad says they have a kid together.
- All right, thanks. We'll look into it.
- No problem. So, do you have a girlfriend? - she sits on Wayne's desk. Charlie is standing on his other side.
- Yes, I do, as it happens.
- Are you in love with her?
- Oh, good question – Van Pelt says, kinda laughing.
- Oh, it's hard to say -
- Is she cute?
- You know, maybe you should wait in your Aunt Teresa's office – Wayne cuts her off.
- Oh, don't mind him – Charlie goes to Annie's side and tells her in an audible whisper. - I think he's still in love with Grace.
- Charlotte! - Grace calls. Charlie laughs out loud, watching Wayne's red face and Grace's shocked one.
- Come on, let's go make a cup of tea and give them some alone time – she tells Annie.
Annie gets off Rigsby's desk, but before she goes, she puts his wallet on it.
- Hey – they hear Wayne saying as they are leaving. Charlotte turns back and puts his cellphone on his desk as well.
- Think you're gonna need this – she offers, heading back to the kitchen.
- Annie, come – Tommy enters the room calling out for his kid, who's sitting at Cho's desk with Charlotte. - Let's find your aunt Reese so we can say bye to her. - He leaves the bullpen through the side door, Charlie and Annie right behind him.
- Dad, I... – Annie starts, but Tommy sees Teresa coming and doesn't hear his daughter.
- Any luck finding O'Brien?
- Look… - Teresa starts, but Tommy cuts her off.
- We're leaving tomorrow.
- Are we? - Annie asks him.
- We are.
- So now we must have a slumber party today – she turns to Charlie, who nods.
- Slumber party? At Jane's?
- Actually, Aunt Reese… - Charlie starts.
- We were thinking about sleeping at your place. You know, have a girls' night.
- My place?
- Yep.
- No. I'm sorry, but I can't. Not today.
- That's so sad. We are sharing some of our Auntie Reese's favorite stories.
- I guess we're going to share them with Dad then – Charlie continues.
Lisbon straitens her eyes to the girls.
- I'm not quite sure bringing you two together was quite a great idea – the girls laugh, and Teresa sighs, defeated. - Fine by me, but only if Jane and Tommy okay it.
- Fine by me – Tommy raises his arms. - Why don't we all have lunch tomorrow, before we go?
- Sure. Yeah – Teresa replies.
- Come, we have to ask my father now – Charlie says to Annie. - Goodbye, Mr. Lisbon. Nice to meet you – she yells, already halfway through the corridor. She still has the time to see Teresa shaking her head before they turn the corn, but she's smiling.
- You were right, spending time at the CBI isn't so bad – Annie was telling Charlie and Lisbon, as they set the table for dinner – Teresa's specialty, spaghetti.
- The team is the best. They are like my family – Charlotte sees Annie opening and closing the doors of the cupboard. – Uh, the glasses are on the door on the left.
- You know your way around here.
- I lived with Teresa for some time a while back.
- Why? Where was your father?
- In jail.
- For what?
- He killed the man who murdered my mom – Charlie gives the simplest explanation. There was no need for Annie to know that Jane believed Red John was still alive.
- Wow. Did he spend much time in prison?
- Not really. He made bail, and then the court found him not guilty. But I still come here from time to time. As I said, they are my family – she shrugs. - And my Dad is great, but he's a guy… and he is… Dad.
- I know what you mean.
- So I'm lucky to have Teresa and Grace in my life – she states, smiling at Lisbon, who smiles back at the girl. - It's a shame you live so far away, Annie.
- Indeed it is – Annie replies, sighing. - Aunt Reese doesn't visit us that often.
- I know, honey – Teresa looks at the teenagers. - I wish I could visit you and your Dad and uncles more frequently.
- You should come here more often – Charlie tells Annie.
- Dinner is ready – Teresa announces.
- Don't tell my father I said that but Auntie Reese's spaghetti is the best – Charlie tells, sitting down. - Are we having that apple pie for dessert?
- I don't know, are we? - Lisbon teases.
- It's amazing, Annie, you'll see. Tell me more about your life in Chicago – Charlie asks.
Teresa looks at them and can't help but smile, seeing two of her favorite people in the world getting along so well. She thinks they'll be a good influence on each other – Annie's going through kind of a rebellious phase, and Charlie is more centered. On the other hand, Charlotte has always been more shy and prone to spend her time with adults than with people her own age, so Annie's company will be a good thing for her.
As she watches both of them talking nonstop, Lisbon believes it's a good thing they've found each other. Even if it means they're teaming up against… well, everyone.
After making sure the girls were sat for the night, Teresa kisses them both goodnight and leaves the room.
- You know, we could be cousins – Annie was saying, and Teresa stops by the door she was closing. She doesn't mean to intrude, but she can't help but listen to how her niece has got to that conclusion.
- You mean, Dad and Teresa? - she hears Charlie's voice.
- Don't you think it's possible?
- I don't know – Charlie answers after a while. - Sometimes I think so, yes. But then - I don't know. Dad is... - she stops again, looking for the right words. Charlotte doesn't want Annie to get her wrong. - He is great, really is. He's just not really… trustworthy, I guess. Ask Teresa, they'd some arguments about that – she laughs. - It's just… I think he's been through a lot of stuff. But, yeah, maybe someday, you know?
- Would you like that?
- Yes, I would.
- I'd like that too – Annie replies. - Your father is a nice guy. And, as I said, we'd be cousins. I'd like that.
- Me too – Charlie replies softly. - Very much – she sighs. - Good night, Annie.
- Good night, cos – Annie replies, and they both laugh. With a smile on her face, Teresa goes to her room.
- You sure you don't want to have lunch with us? - Annie asks when she and Lisbon drop Charlie off at her home the following morning.
- I got to go to class. Dad will kill me if I skip school – Charlie rolls her eyes. - Plus, you can have a nice Lisbon family lunch.
- I'd still like it if you'd join us – Annie tells her and then hugs her new friend. - Don't be a stranger.
- Come and visit us – Charlie hugs her back and then kisses Teresa. - Guess I'll see you after class.
- Guess so. Goodbye, sweetie - she waits until Charlie is inside the building before taking off and turns to her niece. – I'll take you to Tommy. I have to go to work, but then I'll meet you later for lunch, okay?
- It sounds great, Aunt Reese.
- Hey, Auntie Rees – Annie says, entering the bullpen, followed by Tommy.
- Annie, why don't you go and find Charlie? I need to speak to your father.
She looks from her aunt to her father, who nods. Raising one eyebrow, she sees Teresa conducting Tommy to her office. She turns around, looking for Charlie, finding the girl in the kitchen.
- There you are! - When Charlie takes her eyes off her teacup and looks at Annie, the girl knows something's wrong. - What's going on?
Charlie stays quiet for a moment, just shaking her head.
- I can't believe you and your father!
- What are you talking about, Charlie?
- Like you don't know!
- I don't!
- Teresa's phone, that's what I'm talking about. You distracting your aunt so your father could bug his own sister cellphone – she states, disgusted.
- I don't even…
- Oh, please – Charlie interrupts Annie. - That's really a new level of low. Teresa deserved better than that – putting her cup on the sink, Charlotte leaves the kitchen, leaving behind a puzzled Annie.
Talking to Tommy was really exhaustive. Teresa leaves her office and sees the movement around the bullpen.
- What's going on? - she asks Jane.
- Well. From what I understood, Annie and Charlie got into a fight.
- A fight?
- More of a disagreement, really.
- Over what?
- You. And Tommy. And your cellphone.
- How… - she starts but changes her mind. Lisbon shakes her head to clear it. - You know what, never mind. Where's Annie?
- I think it's better if I got yours and you got mine.
- What?
- Go talk to Charlotte. She'll hear you better than she'll hear me. I'll talk to Annie.
Realizing Charlie wasn't at the bullpen nor the kitchen, Teresa goes upstairs. She knows the girl likes to use the room in there almost as much as Jane.
She finds the door partially open and knocks on it, calling out for Charlie.
- Hey, sweetie.
- Hey, Teresa – the teenager replies, giving her a faint smile before turning back to the window.
Lisbon goes to her and passes one arm over Charlie's shoulder. The girl bends her head, leaning it on Teresa's arm.
- Heard you and Annie got into a fight.
- I can't believe what she did.
- You know what, Charlie. I appreciate you defending me like that. I really do.
- But?
- But I don't want you to fight with Annie over that. Especially cause she did mean no harm.
- She still lied to you.
- Not really, no. She's just asked me to play with her. I am the one who should've known better than to leave my cellphone with my brother.
- But if you can't trust your own family, who can you trust then?
- That's a really good question. Listen, things with my family are a lot complicated… - she senses the teenager nodding. Charlotte doesn't know everything, but she has some ideas about what Lisbon's gone through. - But they are good people. I love them. And I've loved to see you and Annie hanging together.
- She is nice – Charlie admits.
- So why don't we find her, and you guys can talk?
- I should apologize, shouldn't I?
- I think you should.
- Thanks, Rees. You're the best.
- So are you, Charlie – she kisses the girl's forehead before letting her out of her embrace. Smiling at Teresa, Charlotte turns around to leave the room.
In the meantime, Jane finds Annie sitting by herself on the stairway. He approaches the girl, pointing to the empty space next to her.
- Mind if I join you?
As Annie just shrugs, Jane takes it as an agreement and sits beside her. They stay quiet for a moment, Annie biting her fingernails, Jane playing with his hands until he decides to break the silence.
- You know, Charlie is very defensive of everyone here. I'm sure she told you her mother died when she was little… - he waits for Annabeth to nod before continuing. - They've helped me raise her. The team is like family to her. I'm positive she's told you that too. Especially Lisbon. So, she can be a tad overprotective when it comes to them.
- She didn't even hear me - Annie lets out. - Teresa is my aunt. I'd never do anything that would hurt her. I love her.
- I know that – Annie startles when she hears Charlie's voice on the top of the stairs. She looks up and sees her aunt and her friend.
- I'm sorry, Aunt Rees. Dad never…
- It's okay, honey – Teresa interrupts her. - I know it's not your fault. That's on your father.
- What's going to happen to him?
- I'm gonna talk to him. You two should also talk – she looks from Annie to Charlie, who runs downstairs to Annie.
- I'm sorry, Annie. I got all worked up. Didn't even give you a chance to explain yourself.
- No, you didn't. But it's okay. I'm glad to see Reese is surrounded by people who love her that much. Friends again?
- Always – Charlie replies, hugging Annie.
- Those are my girls – Lisbon states, smiling at them. She turns to Jane. - I'll be at my office.
- Good luck – he turns to the teenagers. - Okay, I think now it's time for you two to say goodbye. Charlie, I'll drop you at home, and… Annie, how do you feel about a spa day?
- Spa day? Why can't I have a spa day with Annie? - Charlie asks Jane.
- Because…
- It's another one of your plans, isn't it? If Annie is going to be on the field, I want to be there too.
- That's not going to happen.
- Why not?
- And Annie won't be on the field… technically.
- So if she isn't to be on the field, she is not going to be in harm's way, so I can tag along – Charlie states.
- Nice try, but no.
- Please, Mr. Jane – Annie asks. - I'll keep her out of trouble.
- Please, Dad. We'll just… have a massage and mani-pedi. We'll stay wherever you asked us to stay until… whatever it is you're up to.
He looks at his teen daughter and her friend. Jane knows Charlie too well – she's such a mini-he, sometimes. He sighs, defeated.
- Okay, let's go, chop-chop. Grab your stuff, and let's get out of here.
Charlie gets up from her chair and stretches out. She's just done her facial, and it's waiting for Annie to finish hers when she hears her cellphone ping.
- It's Dad. He says he and your Dad will be here shortly to pick us up – Charlie reads the text to Annie.
- You're done, honey – the woman tells Annie, who gets off the table thanking her.
- So, what do we do?
- We could go for a walk in the hotel, maybe? He didn't say how long they'd take, but I guess we won't have the time to do anything else.
- Sure – Annie replies.
They've barely left the room when they hear muffled shouting. Looking one to another and agreeing without any word, they slowly walk down the corridor, towards the noise. Soon, they see a man pointing a gun at Tommy leaving through one door, and Teresa following them, gun pointed at the stranger.
- Don't be stupid, Chad. Let him go – she was saying.
- Stay back, or I'll shoot him. I swear to God.
Charlie is one step behind Annie, who sets off the fire alarm, startling the guy and giving Tommy and Lisbon a fighting chance.
- Nicely done, Lisbon family – Jane shouts, getting out of the office once Chad is cuffed. He smiles at Annie and his kid. Charlotte turns to Annie, impressed.
- Nicely done indeed. Good thing you can keep it calm – Charlie smiles at her.
- How did it feel, your first day on the field? - Annie asks.
- Can't wait to do it again.
- No way – Jane and Teresa say together.
- Let them be – Annie whispers to her when Charlie opens her mouth to protest. - Next time I'm here, we'll figure something out – she winks.
Teresa is at the CBI kitchen drinking a cup of coffee when she hears a knock.
- Hey.
- Hey. The kid wanted to say goodbye – Tommy tells her. Annie approaches her aunt and hugs her.
- Give me a minute with your aunt, huh?
- Yeah.
- Love you – Teresa says to her.
- Love you too – Annie replies, turning towards the bullpen.
She finds Jane sleeping on his couch and Charlie sitting at Grace's desk, reading a book.
- Still here?
- Dad passed out – Charlie tells her, indicating Jane with her head. - He sleeps better here than at home, so I'm gonna give him some time. And about you?
- Dad's saying goodbye to aunt Rees, then we are out of here.
- Back to Chicago?
Annie nods. Charlie puts the book on the table and gets up, walking towards her friend.
- I'm gonna miss you.
- I'm gonna miss you too.
- You need to come to visit on school break – Charlie asks. - We can have another slumber party with Teresa.
- Maybe another day on the field – Annabeth chuckles.
- I'll like that.
- Hey kid, ready to go? - they hear Tommy's voice as he goes inside the room.
- Yeah – Annie approaches Charlie and gives her a quick hug. - I guess this time really is goodbye - they both chuckle and hear Tommy agreeing in the back. - Say bye to your father for me.
- I will. Bye. Bye, Mr. Lisbon – she looks at him, smiling. Despite everything that has happened, she likes him.
- Goodbye, Charlotte.
Tommy and Annie walk towards the elevator, Charlie accompanying them with her eyes. Soon, she hears Teresa's voice behind her.
- Hey.
- Hey.
Teresa stops by her side, watching her brother and niece until they are out of their sight. The girl turns to Lisbon.
- I guess I should wake Dad up.
- Or you could let him sleep a little bit more – she wrinkles her nose - and we can have a girls moment, what do you say? - Charlie's reply is one big smile. Teresa looks at Jane, peacefully sleeping. Under Charlotte's surveillance, she picks up the blanket on the side of the couch and puts it over Jane. When she goes back to where Charlotte is waiting, the girl takes Teresa's hand and pulls her to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Teresa starts to say something, but Charlie is only paying half attention. In the back of her mind, she is wondering if Annie is right and one day, they'll become cousins.
A/N: Once again I want to thank my friends and beta readers, Mandy, Eve, Debbie and Maria, for all the help and support. Love you.