A/N: You guys are amazing! Your reviews really inspired me to write more. I already know what I'm gonna do with this case and I'm so excited for you to read it! Unfortunately, as finals are approaching, updates will probably become slower (believe me, I hate this, too), but I promise I will make up for it once they're over. You can always check my twitter for updates as well.

Disclaimer: I don't think my mind would ever be able to come up with such perfect characters as Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon. As always, the credits go to Bruno Heller.

Chapter 2: Rainbow Fairytale

"I thought we were okay", Vega finally broke the silence.

She regretted it right away, as the Agent's lips remained disappointingly sealed.

She wondered if others found themselves in similar awkward situations when around him or if it was just her. She would be so embarrassed if it was the latter.

She looked out her window; disheartened. They had been driving for two hours and the only time Cho had honored her with speech was when Wiley had asked for her on the phone. She wasn't looking at him, so he had needed to call her name.

"We are".

For a moment, she wasn't sure he had talked. Maybe she was having illusions. It could happen to someone when travelling with an unresponsive person. She turned to face him. But searching Cho's face for signs that he had talked was like searching for elevations in a completely flat area.

"Sorry, did you say something?" she asked, baffled.

Cho looked at her; his expression weary.

"I said we are".

"But then why didn't you want me to come?"

Cho sighed, like he had wanted to avoid this conversation. After a moment, he said:

"You're new at this job. Your judgment is influenced by your enthusiasm and your desire to be useful. I can't rely on you under these circumstances", he explained.

Vega took a deep breath, measuring her next words.

"Sir, I understand that that is your opinion of me. But I assure you, I would never endanger my life or yours to prove myself. That would be stupid and reckless", she reassured him.

She wasn't sure, but the Agent's expression seemed like he was finding something humorous among her words. It could also be her imagination of course.

The hum of the car engine faded off and she was surprised they had already reached their destination.

She was confused when Abbott had suggested they visit the family of the first victim. Weren't they supposed to follow Jane's plan?

Then, Abbott had explained: If they were to fool a serial killer, they would need a cover story that would be at least believable. Which meant they couldn't just arrest anyone. And since the first murder was usually where a serial killer's motive lurked, it would be easy for the serial killer to believe they had followed that lead.

Still though, they would need to find someone willing to play the part.

"Do so carefully", Abbott had requested. "You can't reveal too many details of our plan".

Matilda Raffin's relatives resided in Oakland, which was disappointing enough, since it was nowhere near Blue Lake. It just added to the theory that the girls found murdered were completely random.

Doors slammed as they both got off the car. Michelle looked at the beautiful mansion that reared before them, thinking of the tragedy the people that lived inside it had been forced to go through.

Once again, she felt the injustice of the whole situation. It only made her more eager to find the bastard and put him in jail. Though, admittedly, he deserved worse.

They walked the few steps to the front door. Three knocks and one mention of the FBI later, a Mrs. Raffin was standing at the threshold; her expression a questioning mark.

"Hello, ma'am. We're investigating the murder of your daughter. We're really sorry for your loss. We'd hoped you could assist us with finding her killer", Vega explained to her.

"Oh I already know who did it, alright?" the woman said to Michelle's surprise.

"You do?" she asked her, confused.

"Of course. It's humiliating you guys haven't arrested him yet", she scoffed.

It was something in her tone, as if she was insinuating that finding her daughter's killer was solely their concern. Michelle had already started to dislike her.

"We were just assigned this case, ma'am", Cho told her, ignoring her attitude. "Who do you think did it?"

"Jake Rowland. Her boyfriend".

"Did you report this to the police?" Vega questioned, unable to hide her annoyance.

Mrs. Raffin turned to look at her; belittling her with her eyes.

"Oh I didn't need to. He was with her on vacation at the time. 'Course, he said she was kidnapped. But as soon as the police started suspecting him, he ran away. Been missing ever since that day".

"Can we have a picture of him?" Cho asked, taking his pen and police journal to write it down.

"Max", she shouted to the interior of the house. "Go fetch that photo from your sister's desk".

A few minutes later, a little boy appeared at the door, holding what Mrs. Raffin had requested. His fair hair betrayed his sharing the same blood with the woman.

She took it and gave it to them, completely ignoring her son.

"You can keep it", she said to them.

Vega could see why Matilda had fallen in love with the guy. His hair were dark brown, while his eyes had the color of rain; grey or, somebody could say, a really light blue.

"Where were they on vacation?" Cho asked.

"How should I know?" Mrs. Raffin complained.

"You're her mother", Vega reminded her, unable to take her attitude anymore.

"So?" she asked, as if they were talking about the neighbor's dog.

Vega looked at her with disbelief. After a moment, she heard herself say:

"It's no wonder your daughter got murdered by a serial killer".

Cho turned to look at her and she would swear it was the first time she had seen a surprised expression on his face.

"Excuse me?" Mrs. Raffin asked.

"I'm just saying. Someone would think you would learn to take better care of your kids, once one of them was dead", she said; her eyes darting to her little son.

The woman stared at her in shock.

Vega turned away; Cho following her. She didn't want to spend another minute with that horrible woman.

"What was that about?" Cho asked her, once they were out of hearing.

"Nothing", she answered.

He didn't question it any further and for once, she was thankful for his lack of prying.

After they had gotten back in the car, he called Abbott to explain the situation.

It looked like they would need to find this Jake Rowland.

Apparently, their cover story had just deserted them.

She stared out the window at the quiet neighborhood. The only other car on the street was a black jeep parked on the far corner. For a moment, she was dazed. She wasn't sure, but she felt like she had seen it before on one of the traffic lights.

Cho turned the key in the ignition, drawing her attention. He was dialing another number on his cell phone.

"Who are you calling?" she asked him.

"Jane".

After a four-hour flight from Austin to Los Angeles, the plane was finally touching down.

Lisbon had her eyes closed, letting the senses of smell and touch orientate her. She was currently resting her head on her boyfriend's shoulder; her nose buried in the fabric of his dark blue suit; the scent of Patrick Jane flooding her nostrils. She took a deep breath, welcoming it; the corners of her lips twitching to a little satisfied smile that flickered off almost immediately.

A gentle stroke on the top of her head. And a sudden whisper in her ear.

"We're here".

Lisbon made a quiet groan, tightening her grip around his arm. She didn't want to leave her current position.

Jane chuckled. A carefree; genuine sound that made her heart sing.

"We could always take another plane if you want", he suggested; half-serious half-joking.

"Mmm", she agreed; a smile in her voice.

After a moment, she sighed and opened her eyes, detaching herself from him to stretch her muscles.

Outside the window, the morning sky was getting brighter and brighter. Jane's eyes seemed to wander in the horizon; strands of light brushing one side of his face.

It was then she noticed the photo on his lap. The Golden Gate crime scene.

"What have you been doing?" she asked; regarding it with her eyes.

"Oh I was just looking at it", he said. "I always wondered why Golden Gate Bridge is red and not actually golden", he added after a moment.

"If it was golden, it wouldn't be there by now. Someone would have stolen it", she said with sarcasm.

"Oh", Jane said; playing along.

It was then the flight attendant announced their arrival at LAX, bringing Lisbon back to reality. It was official. They were back.

Jane took their suitcases; making full use of his privileges as her boyfriend.

They found their way to the arrivals area quite easily. The place was hectic; the sound of rolling suitcases, people talking and car engines creating a hustle.

They were both silent and Lisbon knew why. It was like waking from a dream. As if the past few years had been a lie. She and Jane had never really left the CBI and they were in L.A. to interview people, just like the old days.

Only now Jane reached for her hand, his eyes full of warmth and affection. She held it and his fist tightened around hers. Once again, she was dazed by the surrealism of it all. Them being together; openly staring in each other's eyes; seeking each other's touch as if it was water they could drink from. It was both surprising and overwhelming. Like it could be over in any moment. Which was what made it scary.

Jane's cell phone rang. He took his hand from hers-a little unwillingly-to bring his cell phone out from his jacket pocket. After a quick glance at the screen, he answered the call.

"Cho. How can I help you?" he said.

Lisbon waited as Cho spoke on the other side of the line, searching Jane's expression for any signs as to what the Agent could be saying. After a few seconds, Jane said:

"Oh that's easy. He's probably following you right now".

He ended the call; an amused expression on his face.

"What was that about?" Lisbon wondered.

Jane told her about some guy named Jake Rowland who was supposed to be the boyfriend of the first victim. Apparently, he had disappeared the day of the murder and now Cho and Vega were trying to locate him.

"But why do you think he's following them?"

"He's been falsely accused of his girlfriend's murder, while the real killer is still out there. He can't go to the police, but he can't find the guy who did it by his own either. Ergo, he secretly follows the police's investigation until they find something".

Lisbon felt the corner of her lips recede to a satisfied smile. Jane followed short; unable to control himself.

"So", Lisbon said; her eyes flirty and playful; her hand moving to hold the fold of his jacket "what do you want to do now? Our part of the mission is not on until tomorrow the least".

She couldn't believe it was her talking like that.

Apparently, Jane couldn't either. He was staring at her mesmerized.

"Believe me, I hate to say this", he said, "but we need to go get a look at that crime scene".

Lisbon looked at him, unable to believe he had just been the one to suggest they needed to work.

"You're really into this", she thought aloud.

"Well, I have to admit, it's a little intriguing", he said honestly.

"Ok. But why do you want to go there?"

"I feel there's something I've missed. And you know how I hate this feeling… So, shall we?" he said, showing her the way, while his other hand moved to the small of her back.

She started walking; a half smile on her lips.

As long as Jane enjoyed himself, he wouldn't leave.

When Jake learned the case had been assigned to the FBI department in Austin, he'd suspected that Agents would be coming here soon to investigate. It was his only chance to find Matilda's killer. So he figured he would wait for them at the airport and follow them from there.

So far they hadn't lead him anywhere.

The Black SUV turned right in the corner and he raised speed to keep up. When he finally made the corner, there was a surprise waiting for him. The Black SUV was turned around; blocking his way. The man and the woman were now pointing their guns to him.

"Sir, get out of the car. Do it now or we'll shoot", the man shouted.

Jake raised his hands; his face white as a sheet. Slowly, he opened the door and exited the vehicle.

"Turn around and put your hands where we can see 'em".

Once the boy did as he requested, Cho lowered his gun and started walking toward him; taking his handcuffs out of his jacket pocket.

"Sir, I can explain-"

"Are you Jake Rowland?" Cho interrupted him, grabbing both of his wrists to pass him the handcuffs.

"Yes", said the boy.

A few moments later, Jake was sitting at the back seat of the SUV who now served as an interrogation room. Cho was standing by the door next to him, Vega was shotgun.

"Why were you following us?" Cho began.

"I-I was trying to find Matilda's killer", Jake said.

"Why?"

The boy looked at both of them, as if he didn't understand the question.

"Because she was my girlfriend!" he said. "We were friends since high school. And when we were finally together, she got killed".

"Where were you at the time?" Cho asked him.

"We were in LA. For vacation".

"Could have been you who did it", Vega pointed out.

"Then why would I report her being kidnapped?" Jake returned.

"When did you do that?"

"As soon as I realized she was missing. They told me they would wait for twenty four hours before they started searching for her. I waited three days. Only to find her hanging upside down from a fucking anchor", Jake explained; his eyes going insane.

"I hope this explains why I need to find the bastard".

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's crown jewel and one of the wonders of the Modern World, was restless. Cars drove back and forth at exceeding speeds, ignoring the black Chevrolet Trax parked at one side of the road near the yellow crime scene tape that marked the atrocity having happened only twenty four hours ago. Nor did they notice the blond man and the brunette standing by it. Life just carried its ways as always.

The place where the girl had been hanging in the photo was now empty, but the image had been stuck in Lisbon's head. It was unbelievable that someone could commit such a monstrous crime.

She turned to look at Jane. The expression she saw on his face was one she'd come to recognize. He was trying to follow his instincts; his eyes scouring the surroundings. Suddenly, he started moving around; his eyes focused on a particular spot in the horizon.

"What are you doing?" she asked him.

"I'm trying… to figure out where he stood when he took the photo", he said; his voice sounding busy.

"Ah, here", he said after a moment.

Lisbon went to stand by his side, following his gaze. The exact angle of the photo took form in front of her eyes.

"What I don't understand", Jane said, "is how he managed to hang the girl, take the photo and then leave it on the ground without being seen from anyone".

"Maybe there were no cars passing by at the time".

"Maybe. But why would he risk it? He doesn't seem like the kind of killer that would be so careless".

He started pacing toward the red railings of the bridge.

"Jane, be careful", she asked; genuine concern in her voice. It was overwhelming to see him so close to the edge.

"No need to be worried", he reassured her. "Aaah, Lisbon", he called her then.

"What?" she asked, alarmed.

"You may want to come and see this".

She started walking toward his direction. The closer she came, the clearer became the object Jane was looking at. Once she realized what it was, she came to a sudden stop.

Attached to the railings of the red monument was a device. Plenty of colorful wires were connected to it, along with a switch and a wheel.

"Some kind of a device that helped him pull the rope she was hanging from?" she wondered aloud.

Jane's phone started ringing at that exact moment. He fumbled in his pocket; his eyes still inspecting the strange mechanism.

"Vega. Everything alright?" he asked.

The pause that followed was so long that Lisbon had to turn and see Jane's face to make sure nothing was wrong. But when she saw his frozen eyes, cold ran up her spine.

"Jane?" she called; alarm in her voice.

Jane closed the phone.

"We need to see what's under the water", he said; looking over the railings down to the Pacific Ocean.

"Why?" she asked him.

He turned to look at her.

"He kidnaps his victims many days before he murders them. It's not about catching him. It's about finding the girl".

Silence followed, as she let the realization sink in.

"You think he hides them in the water?" she finally asked.

"Makes sense", he answered.

"But then what's the point of finding them, if they are going to be drowned?"

"Exactly. That's why he has to be keeping them somewhere waterproof. Like a vault or something. Then when time is up, that vault opens, the girl gets drowned and he uses this device to pull her body out of the water".

Lisbon tried to imagine herself trapped in one of those things. She would die from fear before she got drowned. She took her phone out.

"I need a marine team at Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay right now", she said.

"So, Jake, you said you wanna help us catch this killer?" Cho asked the boy.

He raised his head to look at him; hope in his eyes. Seeing that he wasn't kidding, he nodded with all of his strength.

"Alright, then. Here's what you'll need to do".

A/N: I hoped this chapter lived up to your expectations. (I really didn't expect this story to have so much response and now I'm kind of thrilled and scared at the same time lol). Also, I know I said someone would be released from prison in this chapter, but it turns out it's going to be in the next one. Some of you may have already guessed who it is. Feedback as always is a good way to keep me inspired. Also, next chapter might take a little longer for me to write. But please, be patient. I promise you won't regret it ;) I have so many ideas for this.

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