Two.
The house is… exquisite. It reminds her of the mansion where they investigated the murder of Scarlett Marquesa many years ago. Four bedrooms all with their own private bathrooms, and another bathroom on the ground floor. Downstairs is a large, open plan space with a big living room, lavish dining room and a state-of-the-art kitchen made for entertaining. There's even a cinema room which definitely excited Jane more her, whereas she was eyeing up the pool table on the patio in the backyard. He may smoke her at cards and chess, but she is sure that she will be far superior playing this game – she raised three brothers after all.
Somehow, she has managed to swing getting the master bedroom, although all the bedrooms are incredible, so it probably doesn't make any difference. He didn't mind, he picked the room opposite to hers and if he is honest with himself, he will probably spend more nights than not on one of the plush couches. That is its biggest redeeming feature he thinks but he spotted her eyeing up the hot tub on the veranda, but she never mentioned anything about it, probably too nervous to face potentially using it with him.
The biggest downsize to it all is that it is so big that Lisbon is worried that they will rattle around inside it. The only time she has resided in a property so large was during a CBI retreat, but it was never quiet, always bustling full of agents. Jane has gone to the store to do a grocery shop and she cannot help but think that the house has an eery air about it, and that's before they've even started their mission, so they aren't at risk of currently being watched. It is just strange.
She knows that they are safe. Having been used by a drug gang this house has plenty of security. It is gated at the front, has high fences surrounding the backyard and there are loads of CCTV cameras on the outside perimeter of the property that the unit have access to and are monitoring the feed. Thankfully though they can't see what goes on inside. She would hate to be monitored so closely, especially by people she is going to be working with for the foreseeable future.
When Jane returns from the store with bags of supplies, she is sat at the kitchen island on a barstool, her laptop open as she continues to trawl through the files. She must have read them all at least twenty times already but she needs to be prepared enough to not only lead this mission but to ensure their safety when he inevitably riles the wrong people up causing problems. It is going to be a long few weeks if he starts to cause trouble and babysitting him becomes a full-time job. "I was thinking of making a tagine tonight." He tells her, breaking through her thoughts as he begins to load up the refrigerator.
"A tagine?"
"A slow cooked dish done in a pot. It originates from North Africa." He explains. "I've got lamb and vegetables, which I will do with spices."
"Sounds good." She says with a smile, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes which he of course notices, making him frown. "I'm fine Jane."
"You're not."
"I am just focussed on the job at hand." She attempts to persuade but he can see right through her. Yes, this isn't fiction, she is thinking about the job at hand, but the job at hand involves them being a couple and she can't stop thinking about that. What if it is so awkward that their suspects don't buy it? Or what if it is so believable that she lets herself fall for this man? She can't… she won't. "I think we need to discuss the plan."
Tomorrow evening they will be attending a charity event at a county club that Adrian Clarkson is a member at. If they are lucky then perhaps Grady and Seo-Jun will also be there, but the mentalist thinks that is unlikely. They've managed to cover their tracks so well; they are unlikely to be hanging around each other all the time. This country club is for the elite so the fact that Clarkson can afford it is a clear indication of his dodgy dealings. Hopefully they will be able to catch his eye without causing too much havoc.
Their story isn't exactly far from the truth. Mr and Mrs Jane have relocated from California where he made his name being a psychic, if he is researched then they will see that's the truth and he isn't overly worried about them discovering what he did to Red John. If they ask how he got away with it, he will heavily hint that it took some paying off but now he is a free man. They've moved states for a fresh start – which is true – and he's now looking for investments in the area, although he doesn't know where to start. This should be a good basis for their cover story which they are sure that they will add to as time progresses.
After dinner, which was very tasty, they each decide to retire to their separate rooms, her making an excuse that maybe an early night is a good idea, and she is tired from the travelling. However even after a somewhat relaxing bath she finds herself wide awake in the king size bed her mind whirring at such a high rate. She can't stop thinking about what the next day will potentially bring. Her first day as Mrs Teresa Jane. Lisbon tosses and turns but all she can do is muse about the man sleeping next door, she wonders if he is actually sleeping or not. He rarely used to, but she assumes now that his revenge mission is over his sleep patterns are healthier, but she couldn't say for sure because it isn't something they've ever talked about.
Thinking about it, there is a lot that they have never talked about despite having known each other for well over a decade now, and they don't just know each other, they're partners. Best friends. It is odd because even though this is the case there is still so much that she doesn't know about him and him about her. Maybe this mission will bring them closer in a good way, maybe she shouldn't be so stressed.
With an exasperated sigh she kicks back the sheets concluding that sleep will not be her friend tonight and coffee will definitely be her friend tomorrow. She then heads downstairs to find some late-night television to watch hoping that it will then occupy her thoughts rather than the consultant but as soon as she enters the living room, she realises that this will not be possible because he is lying on the couch. "Can't sleep either?" He murmurs, answering her unasked question of if he is asleep or not.
"No." She admits, and he moves into a sitting position, swinging his legs round, so she is able to sit beside him – even though there are plenty of other places to sit. It makes her smile. "I could have guessed you would be trying to sleep on the couch."
"It is what I'm used to." He shrugs just as she takes a seat, sinking back into the comfy cushions. "What's your excuse?"
"I'm an FBI agent on a difficult mission."
"Meh. What's so difficult about it?" He questions and already she is wishing that she stayed upstairs. "We rope this guy into thinking we are careless with money and give him the chance to play out whatever his bit is."
"You're forgetting something. I've got to make sure that you behave yourself."
"I will, my dear."
"Don't call me that." She states, her tone warning him that it would be a dangerous path for him to pursue.
"You never used to have a problem with it." This may be true but now it carries a different level of seriousness. "Or is it now an issue because we are a couple?"
Lisbon doesn't know if it is the late hour or his teasing inquiry that gives her the confidence to answer him but when she sighs and drags her fingers through her dark hair nervously, he realises that he is going to get a response like he desires. He wasn't expecting that. "I don't know Jane." She crosses her arms tightly across her chest, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious just wearing her bedtime tank top in front of him, especially since he is still wearing suit pants and one of his shirts from the island. She is practically naked compared to him in her loungewear shorts and the tank top. "Can we just be careful? Please." She almost begs, making him raise a brow but he doesn't fight back. Instead, he just agrees with a curt nod and watches as she leans forward to grab the TV remote from the coffee table.
xxx
When a surprisingly large clothes delivery comes, Jane observes as she reluctantly opens the packages to see what Fischer has picked for her. Some items she studies for ages, trying to work out how she is going to pull them off, others she hums at, they're generally the ones that aren't so bad. Some have been discarded to one side entirely. They certainly all look the part for a rich wife, but it isn't a part she has ever had to play never mind had to dress for. He wisely decided to keep his thoughts on the clothes to himself, not wanting to rile her up anymore but he is sure that she will look stunning in them.
And if her first outfit choice is anything to go by, he was not wrong.
Lisbon joins him by the front door just before six o'clock wearing a beautiful, satin, off-the-shoulder evening dress in an emerald green. It has a flowing but straight skirt that travels to the floor with a slit down one side and her sparkly, black stilettos help raise her height, so she is now not much shorter than him. The dress not only accentuates her… assets but he doubts that they won't attract the attention of their suspect. Interestingly, she has decided to take off her mother's cross that usually hangs around her neck and instead has on a silver necklace with a shiny gem at the centre. Then there is the fake wedding ring on her finger, it feels so alien to her. "Wow." He breathes, not being able to hold back the loving look in his eyes. "You look incredible."
The compliment makes a pinkish hue paint her cheeks as she awkwardly averts her gaze to the floor. "Thanks." She mumbles before peering back up through her lashes, inspecting the outfit he has gone for, and she is pleasantly surprised. He has reverted to his old ways and is wearing a waistcoat, but the three-piece suit looks to be much more expensive than those he used to wear back at CBI – they definitely got a battering at times. He has also accompanied it with a bow tie.
They've both really made an effort… but was that effort for the case or for each other?
The drive to the country club takes almost half an hour but they end up arriving at the perfect time. There is a great atmosphere building, but it isn't too busy, so they won't get swallowed up by the crowd. "Do you think we should have worn wires?" She asks, her eyes scanning the decked-out venue whilst he grabs them both a glass of champagne.
"No. We will be fine." He persuades and passes her over a glass which she gladly accepts. "Once we know what we are facing we will make a better plan."
The event has everything. Crazily priced raffle tickets, parlour games that the guests are making healthy bets on in the name of charity of course, donation boxes and an auction which will be happening later in the night. The latter gives Jane an idea and without another thought he is wrapping an arm around her waist to guide her towards one of the organisers who is holding onto a clipboard. For a second, she forgets how to breathe, having him in such close proximity but quickly she works out that he has come up with something and she becomes more focussed on making sure whatever it is isn't ridiculous. "Hi there Mr and Mrs…?" The employee questions, whilst cocking her head thinking that she doesn't recognise these particular guests.
"Jane." He answers and pulls the brunette closer to him, she stifles her surprise by sipping on her drink. "My wife and I are new to the area. I was wondering if there is still time to add to the auction?"
Lisbon isn't sure which part to focus on. Hearing him refer to her as his wife or the fact he wants to add to the auction. "Mr and Mrs Jane, welcome! My name is Lucy, and I am one of the event organisers here at the club. We would be delighted if you would want to add to it, may I ask what you are putting on offer?"
"I am a psychic." He lies with ease. "One of the best. I have a bit of a reputation."
"A psychic huh?" A voice interrupts from behind them and when they turn, they have to plaster on their best poker faces when they see their suspect, Adrian Clarkson, stood there with a glass of scotch. "What am I thinking?"
"Throw some money at the auction and you can find out." He retorts and suddenly an in has been created with almost no effort. "Patrick Jane." He introduces himself, releasing his grip around her waist so he can shake the other man's hand who does reciprocate the gesture. "And this is my wife, Teresa." She also offers her hand but instead of shaking it, Clarkson holds it in his before leaning down to lightly kiss the back of it. The action makes her skin crawl, and the mentalist has to hold his tongue.
"Great to meet you both." He says after letting her go but his eyes don't leave her, he couldn't make his desire for her any more obvious as he scans her up and down, lingering on her exposed cleavage. "Add Mr Jane's auction lot to the collection." He instructs Lucy who nods before scuttering off somewhere to do just that. "I've not seen you around here before."
"We are new to the area." Teresa tells him, deciding that she is done playing the silent partner. "We relocated from California for a fresh start…" And then she does something completely unexpected. "Didn't we honey?" She surprises herself at how easy she has found switching into the role as she links their arms.
"We did indeed." He agrees with a large grin. "Thought we would come tonight to make connections – and to donate to a worthwhile cause."
"Naturally." Clarkson agrees. "What are your plans for San Antonio? You want to be the resident psychic?"
"I am not overly bothered by that. I've made my money. I don't have to work another day if I don't want to." He brags, not shying away from the smugness. "May give something else a go to fuel my boredom. Investments or what not."
Sometimes you have just got to shoot your shot, make it known what you want and let someone else give it to you. He senses her tense slightly at his side, probably worried about blowing their cover so soon but if the suspect's facial expression is anything to go by, he has no concerns. "Investments, eh?"
"Yes, maybe." He then takes another sip of his champagne.
"Hm." For a second, they think he is going to say something else, give them the evidence they crave but instead he changes the subject. "Where are you living?"
"Stone Oak."
"That's a nice area!"
"Patrick bought us the greatest of places!" She plays it up, gushing for her husband as she tightens her hold on him. "I couldn't believe it when I first saw it! I didn't think anything could beat the house in Malibu."
"Anything for you my dear." And then he takes the leap, performs the action that she was dreading probably a lot more than him. Jane kisses Lisbon gently on the cheek, lingering a little longer than he was expecting but what shocks him even more is that she seems to lean into it. The man stood in front of them looks bemused. "Anyway Adrian…" He trails. "It was nice meeting you. Make sure you get bidding."
And he did.
xxx
They had a lovely night, even if it was for a case, and they return to the house absolutely buzzing. Him because of the thrill of the game and her thanks to copious amounts of alcohol poured down her neck – it certainly made the event easier. When she disappears off to make a phone call to Fischer, alerting her of the progress they made this evening thanks to their suspect bidding thousands of dollars on the Patrick Jane psychic experience, she manages to find her poise.
They have contact with one of their suspects and suddenly the mission is less daunting.
However, when she retires to bed the thought of the house potentially being watched, albeit unlikely, is very sobering. Lisbon pulls her knees up to her chest sat in the middle of the large bed thinking about what exactly happened this evening and what could happen next. Jane kissed her, on the cheek, he had his arm around her waist, and she hung off his arm at times like they had been a couple for ages and definitely not a fake one. It has been unexpectedly easy so far but is that a bad thing? Are they at risk of becoming too comfortable with one and other?
Then other thoughts start to creep in… are they now going to be watched? Their every move? How thorough are this criminal trio? Surely if they become their next mark, they will be closely monitored… this means that they will have to be a "couple" everywhere they go together, even at home, there will be no pause for breath.
What if they're being watched right now?
Without giving herself time to have second thoughts, like last night she gets out of bed and leaves her bedroom but when she reaches the hallway she pauses. The light is on in his room so he must still be in there, so after switching off the light in her own bedroom she knocks on his door before slowly pushing it open.
Jane is lying in the middle of his big bed, propped up against the headboard with a book of sudokus in one hand and a pen in the other. He raises his brow on her entering whilst asking, "Are you alright?"
He's still dressed in his smart pants and shirt, but his jacket and waistcoat have been discarded with his bowtie now loosely hung around his neck. He looks so cute, why does he have to look so cute? "No, not really." She sighs loudly making him close his book and leaving it, plus the pen, rested on his lap. "I don't know how to say this."
"Lisbon. You can say anything to me." He swiftly replies, like he doesn't even have to think about it because it is the truth. "It's fine."
She is almost hopping around in the doorway now, full of nervous energy and he watches her drag a hand down her face before she finally comes out with it. "Do you think we should share a room? Someone could be watching us." The mentalist doesn't think she could have said this any quicker, as if it is a life-or-death situation. "I just think it would be best."
He sees her point, of course he does, but he has a feeling that the bigger reason as to why she has burst into his room in the middle of the night is because she is anxious. The big house, the unknown area, the new situation… it would be fair enough if she is. Not that she would ever admit that to him. "They can't see inside." He tries to assure her.
"Yes, but they would be able to see that there are lights on in two bedrooms which is a bit suspicious." He hadn't thought about that. Even though he doubts that their three suspects would be bright enough to have such thoughts, he, without another word, shuffles further to one side of the bed giving her plenty of room to sit. "Thank you." She murmurs whilst blushing profusely, but she does find the courage to join him in bed.
Thankfully, it is a king size, so they do not have to get close to each other – this is what she manages to persuade herself anyway.
If you told Agent Teresa Lisbon a decade ago that she would still be working with the consultant and more than that, that she would feel comfortable enough to share a bed with him on a case she would say that you were mental. He watches her slowly climb under the covers as he tosses his book and pen to the bedside table clumsily. "You don't have to stop." She tells him.
"It is all good." He convinces her. "Maybe I will finally sort out my sleep schedule."
Sleep has been a problem for him since the death of his wife and child. Mainly because of the horrors he sees when he closes his eyes and then there was his revenge mission that used to consume most of his time. However, another reason that he has considered is that he became used to having someone to sleep with when he doesn't it can feel lonely.
He switches off the light and they lay in the darkness, both still too wired to even contemplate trying to sleep yet. So she decides to fill the silent void. "Aren't you worried that they're not going to use us because you're a "psychic"?"
"No. It will make us a bigger challenge and I have a feeling Clarkson would like that."
"What about the others?"
"He's the leader." He simply states like it answers all of her questions, it will certainly give her something to think about as she drifts off. "It will all be okay. We are going to get them."
"I know, I know." She agrees, out of hope more than anything. "Goodnight Jane."
"Goodnight Teresa."
