Chapter 16

The next day... Monday morning, 9:45 am

Lisbon's POV

It was early morning still and she watched as the team filtered into the fishbowl conference room where she'd been with Abbott, Fischer, and visiting agent Singh for the last hour. Everyone greeted each other as they took their seats, leaving the chair beside her empty for Jane as they usually did. He was the last to enter with his teacup in hand and took the seat the furthest from her, barely glancing her way. This was the first time she was laying eyes on him since yesterday; he hadn't been on his couch when she'd arrived at work. She casually observed him and noticed his disheveled appearance; he looked tired, and it made her feel better that she wasn't the only one that had a rough night. She also noted that he was frowning, not even attempting to be his usual charming self. She forced her eyes back to the front of the room, ignoring the empty seat beside her.

Abbott started the introductions with the team, and she did her best to appear casual and engaged with the meeting, refusing to let her thoughts wander to her situation with Jane. A few moments later, Agent Singh took the floor and activated a slide deck on the large monitor.

"I want to preface our meeting by confirming that I've spoken with Agent Fischer and Lisbon before our meeting, and they are already apprised of this operation. So, I'll just jump right in with some background. Eight months ago, a female FBI agent was violently raped and assaulted in her home. She immediately came forward to local police and an investigation was opened. It yielded a few suspects who were eliminated and then it went cold. This agent was a member of my team and a close friend. By chance, when I was at a speaking engagement in Boston six months ago, a local police officer who attended my session approached me about a cold case he was working on; his partner, a female police officer had been raped and assaulted in her home prior year, but they couldn't find the offender. As he explained the case, I noticed that the M.O. was very similar to the attack on my colleague. Luckily, I had DNA because both victims managed to scratch the offender. I compared the samples, and they came back as a match to each other. This confirmed my hunch that it was the same assailant, but there was no match in the database to identify him. I received clearance to investigate and looked at the commonalities and saw that both victims had been on a dating app, they were both in law enforcement, brunette and slim. They had also been on a date with the same man... Vincent Turner."

She glanced at Jane and noted that his features were set in concern. He obviously made the connection about this operation being linked to her double date with Kim last Friday.

"When we started tracking his movements, we saw that he traveled extensively and was active on the apps in whatever town he happened to be in. As stated before, he exclusively dates women in law enforcement. This has been difficult to investigate because these victims are also less likely to report the crime. But my team was able to locate some of the women he dated, and we were able to find a few that admitted to being raped and assaulted in their homes but hadn't reported it... they only reported being drugged to the doctor in the ER and to their superiors because of mandatory drug testing."

He changed the slide on the screen that showed a victim profile. So far, she was impressed by the level of detail he incorporated in his presentation.

"… to recap, Vincent only dates women in law enforcement and he only attacks the women who fit the brunette and slim profile."

He changed to another slide to show the assailant's m.o.

"We also know that he uses his access to online encrypted databases to acquire information on these women before their first date. Once he's satisfied with his selection after the first date, he will then contact the victim for a second date; usually within the same week. All victims reported getting stood up by Vincent on the second date. We believe that he plans the dates so he can enter the victim's home knowing they will be away at the meetup location giving him the time he needs to break in. All the victims reported they were attacked a few minutes after entering their homes and were injected with a substance that temporarily paralyzed them. We believe that his friend Eric Stevenson provides him with the drugs he uses in his attacks which we were able to identify as a common horse tranquilizer. All victims described the man who attacked them as tall, muscular and dressed in black from head to toe, including a ski mask. His eye color, the only distinctive part they could see, was described as bright blue. We believe he wears colored contacts to mask his eye color. Vincent likes to take his time with his victims, and he likes to make them feel helpless and humiliated while he rapes them."

Jane was frowning as Agent Singh continued his debrief.

"A lot of you might be wondering why I'm here. I've been working on this case for a while now and I got a warrant to track Vincent's online activities. I received an alert that he conducted a search on Agent Fischer a few days ago and Agent Fischer confirmed that she went on a date with him last Friday. Agent Lisbon and Eric Stevenson were also present. Agent Fischer was contacted yesterday for a second date to take place on Thursday, and she has agreed to participate in a sting to capture Vincent. My team is on their way here as we speak, and Abbott has agreed to lend out your team to support the operation."

She looked at her colleagues; they were all taking notes and listening attentively. Agent Singh was going through the list of activities that needed to be done for the sting and assigning them to the team.

"Agent Wiley, I need you to set up surveillance equipment at Agent Fischer's home. Agent Cho, you and Wiley will form the secondary surveillance team; my team will be primary."

"What about Lisbon?" Jane's voice broke through the chatter.

"I'm on paperwork with Fischer," she responded.

It was their task to get all the warrants and set up the operation protocols. A tedious but very important part of a sting. One error in the paperwork and all the evidence could be thrown out of court.

Everyone started to gather their notebooks to leave after being dismissed when Jane spoke again.

"Lisbon needs protection as well."

Agent Singh frowned at him and quirked his lips.

"She's not the target," he responded as he made to leave the conference room.

"You can't be sure of that," Jane continued, never leaving his chair or changing his position.

Singh was now standing behind him, hovering.

"Yes, I can."

"You didn't mention double-dates in your debrief. How often did he bring his friend along?"

Frustrated that Jane wasn't turning around to look at him, he returned to the front of the conference room where he'd been before as the rest of the team returned to their seats, including herself.

"He's done it before and didn't follow through with an assault. When I found out it was a double date, I was discouraged, but we all agreed to go through with it and see if it yields anything. Agent Lisbon is not in any danger. Vincent didn't look her up in the database."

"He hasn't done anything you're aware of… doesn't mean that Lisbon is not in danger. I was there. He was observing her during the date."

"Yes, I was told about your involvement. But it's not his M.O."

"And psychopaths never change their M.O.?"

"It can evolve, but not like what you're suggesting at this juncture. I need to put all my resources with Agent Fischer where the real danger lies."

"And if you're wrong?"

"I'm not."

"I'd like to have a look at your files- "

"I don't need your services, Mr. Jane. I've been studying this man for months and I know him."

"But you haven't been able to catch him."

"Jane… I agree with his assessment," she finally said.

"So do I," added Fischer. "Let's just get this over and done with."

Jane was about to re-engage when Abbott signaled him silently.

The meeting wrapped up a few minutes later with Jane following Abbott into his office.

An hour later, Agent Singh stormed out of Abbott's office with a curt command to his team leader to give Jane the files. Then he called on Cho and asked him to arrange a squad car outside her house.

"A squad car? You'll chase him off!" Jane said in frustration.

"You have nothing to back up your non-sensical gibberish. Agent Lisbon will be provided with security until the end of the operation. That's all I'm required to provide as per Abbott's request."

"I thought you wanted to catch this guy?"

"I will."

Jane was agitated, his eyes were pinning Singh, his lips stretched thin.

"Jane," she said to him with a warning in her voice.

He was making a scene and she needed him to stand down. His eyes darted to hers a few times before he seemed to register her presence.

"The squad car is not necessary. I can take care of my own safety," she said, directing her comment to Agent Singh.

Agent Singh's eyes softened as he addressed her.

"Thank you, Agent Lisbon. I appreciate you taking my side in this matter but it's now a formal request by your supervisor, therefore I must assign security to your home."

"I'll handle it," she said to him as she observed Jane heading over to the team leader.

Jane went to stand by the team leader until he begrudgingly handed him a small thumb drive. He took it and headed over to his couch with his laptop in hand and began studying the files.

She got his attention and requested his presence in the private office nearby.

"Jane… what are you doing? You can't go behind my back acting like that. I can take care of myself. I don't need you speaking for me."

"You're in danger and I'm the only one that can see it."

"Even if you're right… and I'm not saying you are… it's not okay to go behind my back to Abbott. We're partners, you should've come to me first."

"To what end? You made yourself clear that you're on Singh's side."

"Because his assessment of the situation makes sense! You had no right to go behind my back."

"I'm trying to keep you safe!"

"I can take care of myself. I've been doing a fine job all my life and just because we were involved for a hot second, it doesn't give you the right to suddenly interfere!"

His eyes narrowed on hers.

"Are you mad because of this or because of what happened between us yesterday?"

"Stop interfering," she sidestepped.

"I won't, because I know I'm right."

"Okay, fine… tell me… what'd ya got?"

He looked at her like a deer caught in headlights.

"Well?"

"It's the way he looked at you."

"That's your proof? The way he looked at me?"

"That's what I have right now. If you would cease this discussion, I could go through the case files and get some more solid evidence."

"The case is clear-cut. I think you're just annoyed with Singh."

"That's not what this is about," he interjected exasperatedly. "I know he missed something. It doesn't make sense! I know I'm right!"

"I don't see it. Agent Singh's assessment of the situation seems on point to me and everyone but you agrees."

"This discussion is pointless. I told you I'd always try to save you and I will. I'll keep you safe despite you."

"For god's sake, Jane! I don't need saving! I'm perfectly safe."

"You will be because I will make sure of it. I won't lose you. I won't go through that again," he said, pointing his finger to a spot in front of him.

The vehemence behind his words took her by surprise. He was afraid of losing her.

"You can't think like that," she responded with a softer tone.

"Like what? Like bad things don't happen to good people? Like you didn't almost die a few weeks ago on a routine field interview?"

They never really talked about what happened that day and how he was affected but his words confirmed for her that it had an impact on his recent decisions. His feelings were clouding his judgment. She just needed to reason with him a bit. She uncrossed her arms and softened her approach.

"I'm an FBI agent. You work for the FBI. There's always going to be risks. You can't protect me from everything. It's impossible."

"Then quit."

Now he was talking crazy. She took a deep breath.

"Jane… this is who I am. All I have and worked for… I can't give that up."

"There's more to life than this."

'What?' she wanted to scream at him! She blew up the most stable relationship she'd ever had to be with him and when she couldn't meet his expectations he dumped her. All she has is this job… without it, she'd have no purpose.

"Not for me. This is all I have."

He blinked a few times, registering her unspoken words.

"Why don't you trust me?" he asked quietly.

"You've never given me reason to," she answered bluntly.

He stuck his hands on his hips and shook his head.

"I guess it's clear where I stand."

"As clear as you made yourself."

She stood her ground fighting the urge to take back her words because she knew they hurt him but they were the truth.

"So this is about yesterday?"

"No, it's not."

"Then why are you fighting me on this?"

I guess she'd have to deal with this head-on.

"I think your judgment is clouded on this one."

"How?" he asked incredulously.

"You weren't like this before… things changed between us..."

"You think I would act differently if we weren't lovers?"

He described their relationship in the present and it surprised her because she was sure they broke up yesterday.

"Well… yes."

"Teresa, you hold the same value and importance in my life as you did before we became lovers. My level of devastation if I lost you in my life would be equal in each scenario… us being lovers changes nothing."

With his words he left her standing alone in the office, her mind reeling at what he'd just said.

She made her way back to her desk and sat down. She grabbed her mouse and activated her screen and began working on the warrants that would be needed for the surveillance of Kim's house and then sent an email to Abbott requesting that the security detail be pulled from her home.

A while later she caught herself staring at her hands on her lap, repeating his words in her head like a broken record. She couldn't help but think that being lovers should change how he would feel if he lost her. It shouldn't be the same as losing a friend. But it did explain his irrational behavior today.

The next day... Tuesday evening, 11:30 pm

Lisbon's POV

Incessant hard knocking on her door got her attention and she padded down her stairs to investigate.

"Lisbon? It's me," she heard Jane say through the door.

She took a long exasperated breath and walked over to her door. She was exhausted and the cause of it was on the other side of that door. She dreaded what might be waiting for her when she opened it.

Yesterday, Jane had sequestered himself in a conference room all day to study the files of the case. Regardless of the status of their now non-existing romantic relationship, they were still partners and she'd checked in on him a few times in an effort to stay ahead of any plans he might be brewing. The first time she engaged with him, he'd been brooding over various details. He was still convinced that Agent Singh had missed something, all because of the one look Vincent shot her way during the date. Today had been no different… the last time she'd peeked into the conference room he'd had printouts on the board and notes on the whiteboard. She'd been too exhausted to keep watch over him after quitting time and had headed home for the night.

But that wasn't the reason she was so tired… her sleepless nights were. She'd barely slept the last two nights because her brain had decided to replay her various conversations with Jane on repeat instead of letting her get any rest.

The knocking stopped so Jane probably heard her on the other side of the door. She yanked it open making sure he saw how unimpressed she was by his late-night intrusion.

"What'd you want Jane?"

"No 'hi'?" he asked entering the house without an invitation.

His eyes took inventory of her state of dress and he smirked knowingly. She was in her sweats, still wearing her bra and runners. Although she believed Singh's assessment of the case was sound, she knew better than to dismiss Jane's theories outright. So she was dressed to take on an assailant if needed.

"He's not coming tonight. You don't need to be combat ready," he chuckled.

"I was getting ready for a run," she lied not wanting to give him the satisfaction of being right.

He nodded, accepting her lie with obvious humor, annoying her to a new degree.

"We need to talk."

She took him in from head to toe; he looked the same as he did yesterday and today… tired. His clothes were rumpled, his hair looked like he'd combed his fingers through it repeatedly and he still hadn't shaved.

"Okay… what do you have?" she asked anxiously wondering what he'd found about the case.

He stepped towards her to close the gap making her crane her neck to look at him. His hand came up to her face, cupping it, then he ran his thumb gently over the dark shadow below her left eye, his touch surprising her.

"You didn't sleep."

"I'm fine," she answered, feeling confused by his gesture and instinctively stepping out of his grasp.

He let his arm hang to his side and moved back to sit on the arm of the couch.

"I want to get a run in before it gets too late, so..." she trailed off, trying to prompt him to say what he needed to say about the case so she could go. Her feelings for him right now were all jumbled up.

"Ah, I see. So you want to skip the pleasantries. I'll get straight to the point then… I've been thinking about what happened," he said carefully, his eyes holding hers. "What if we just forget about the whole mess and go back to the way things were before we walked into that restaurant?"

Of all the things she expected him to say, this wasn't even in the realm of possibility. She couldn't believe her ears.

"It's almost midnight… you want to do this now? I thought you wanted to discuss the case," she asked incredulously.

He shrugged. "I don't like to let things fester."

"No! What is this?"

"Teresa-"

"No! You dumped me! You don't get to just... just... I'm supposed to just forget that? No!"

He tried to hold her arms as he tried to get her attention, but she pulled out of his reach.

"I didn't dump you... I don't know why you think that... you wanted time... I agreed," he said in a calm tone.

"Don't you dare twist things around on me. I didn't ask for a break from our relationship; I wanted time to get used to us... you put our relationship on hold! You!" she accused.

Her heart was beating fast, and she could feel the flush of anger on her cheeks, but he seem overly affected, and she hated that he could be like that. He brushed his hand over his mouth, then pushed it through his hair a few times. He regarded her for a few moments, his eyes searching her face. Then he seemed to have decided on something because his features relaxed.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

Her brain was catching up and something wasn't right. That was too easy.

"Why the sudden change of heart?"

He exhaled audibly and leaned against the back of the couch.

"Because you're right. We should leave well enough alone."

His eyes were tracking her face and he must've seen what he wanted there because he walked up to her again and took her hands.

"I think for us and all our baggage, keeping our relationship private is the way to go. It's not like things have changed that much between us anyway. We don't need to add complexity; there's no reason we can't just keep going as we were."

"So, you're suggesting we keep our relationship a secret forever?"

His arms dropped to his sides, and he walked a few steps away from her.

"No. I'm just saying we don't need to put any pressure on ourselves. What we were doing was working; why change it?"

This is not what she wanted to hear, and she realized that she'd been holding onto a secret fantasy that he was going to magically turn into the man she wanted and give her what she needed. But it was just that... a fantasy.

"I thought that's what you wanted?" he asked with concern when she didn't respond. "Teresa?"

He was right; they had baggage, lots of it. He couldn't give her what she wanted because he wasn't capable. Her eyes found the ring on his finger, and she flinched at the sight of it.

"It's not supposed to be this hard, Jane. You're right... we have too much baggage... you... me... We don't work... this was all a big mistake-"

"Is that what you really think? You just want to give up on us?"

Her heart screamed no, but her head said yes. She hugged herself, unable to choose her answer. He invaded her space, taking her face in his hands, forcing her to look up at him. His eyes caressed her as he observed her, gentle as they probed her for the answer to his question.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "I was wrong."

Tears stung her eyes and she pushed away from him.

"You don't need to hide from me."

She turned her back on him trying to reign in her emotions.

"I love you."

"They're just words, Jane," she responded, still trying to stem her tears before she faced him again.

He came behind her and took her hand, startling her. She turned and he seized the opportunity to kiss her, disarming her defenses before she could register her need for them. His kiss was soft and gentle.

"Was that just words?"

He kissed her again when she tried to speak, this time his tongue invaded her mouth, melting her defiance and inciting her passion as her body buzzed to life. He ripped his mouth away from hers as she tried to hold him, both of them panting.

"Do you really want to throw us away... throw this away?"

She took a few breaths to steady her heartbeat.

"I don't like this Jane... the uncertainty."

"What uncertainty? I love you. I'm not going anywhere. I acted like an ass, but... I've missed you."

He gave her a series of small kisses on the lips, whispering all the ways he loved her between each peck. He was being sweet and tender with her and she wanted to give in.

"I screwed up," he said making sure that he was looking at her straight in the eyes, scooting down a bit to account for their height differences. He rubbed his thumbs along her cheeks, still cupping her face. "I'm sorry."

His eyes were delving into hers and she knew she couldn't hide from him.

"D'you miss me?"

She looked away and smiled slightly.

"You do miss me."

He kissed her again sweetly, her resolve disintegrating into complete compliance and forgiveness and she caught herself and stopped his kiss.

"It's not enough-"

"Stop fighting us, Teresa. Doesn't it feel better to give in than to push me away?"

It was easier to give in to him, but that didn't mean it was what she should do.

"I just... miss you."

She couldn't defend herself from his onslaught when he gave her those puppy dog eyes. She didn't want to be without him. He was right... she should just give in; it's what she wanted.

"Okay."

He gave her an unsure smile.

"So, we're good?"

"We are."

He smiled brightly at her, and she returned his smile. He took her in his arms and hugged her tightly.

"I love you," he whispered above her head.

"I love you, too."

He squeezed her tighter, his chin sitting just on top of her head, his arms holding her around the shoulders. His scent filled her senses; she loved the way he smelled, and she resisted the urge to kiss his throat and start something they couldn't finish.

"I'm going to bed. I'm exhausted."

"Not going for a run?" he chuckled.

"Quit while you're ahead," she warned, knowing full well he was calling her out on her lie earlier.

He made to follow her, and she stopped him.

"You're not off the hook. I'm still mad at you for the stunt you pulled with Singh. You can sleep on the couch."

"Can you be mad at me tomorrow? I'm so tired... I can't seem to sleep without you anymore. I need a good night's sleep."

She was in the same situation; she would sleep so well in his arms. She'd missed him so much.

"Okay... but no funny business. You're still in the doghouse."

She led the way wordlessly to her room with him following close behind. He went to shower quickly, and she found herself with a dilemma; she couldn't decide what to wear. Jane said he was sure Vincent wouldn't attempt anything tonight, if she was a target at all, so she didn't need to wear her sweats. They usually slept naked together, but she didn't want to encourage him. That being said, they were both exhausted and sex was the last thing on her mind, and she was sure his as well; he looked like was about to fall down. Confident in her choice, she stripped down and got in; she slept better with him that way and it was more important for her to get a good night's rest than to worry about the optics of encouraging him.

Somehow, just knowing Jane was hers again and was going to join her in bed soon released all her anxiety and she found herself fighting sleep waiting for him. The water turned off, and she knew she only had to hold on a few more minutes; finally, the covers lifted, and the bed dipped beside her. He pulled her firmly against his chest and molded his body to hers. He nuzzled her hair, while she adjusted her hands in his large one. Every part of her body relaxed; she reveled in the warmth of his skin against hers, his strong arm holding her, the sound of his breathing behind her, and his manly scent enveloping her. As she faded off into sleep, she heard his honeyed voice whisper 'I love you'.

A/N: Next chapter... Lisbon goes to her therapy appointment and makes an important connection between the explosion and its repercussions on her life.