In Lieu of Retrospection
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Rating: T
Spoiler: Six months after 2.22 (Red Letter)
A/N: Thanks again to all the reviewers, especially those of you who went back and reviewed every chapter as well as the readers who signed in anonymously. Seriously, to have this much feedback on my first case fic is amazing. I really hope you guys like this part, it takes a break from the investigation, but I doubt anyone will be complaining. Enjoy!
xxx
Part VI
Miraculously, Jane stays true to his word and spends the rest of the afternoon in the bullpen, alternating between sleeping, drinking tea, and going through more of Kyla's stuff.
Cho calls about an hour after Lisbon starts in on her paperwork to report that Thursday night, Rebecca Watkins was at a late night yoga seminar from 6 to 9 pm and then went out to dinner with a couple girlfriends who all corroborated her story.
Shortly after Van Pelt updated her, Lisbon decided to send Cho to speak with Mariel Espejo's boyfriend, just to make sure the information he gave Van Pelt over the phone was legitimate.
In fact, the sister wasn't home, and the boyfriend, Manuel Ramirez, was simply house sitting while Agata was with the Creggs. He hadn't seen Mariel for a couple days due to work obligations, so he couldn't confirm Agata's alibi for either of the two nights. However, he assured Cho that Agata had been with the Creggs for almost 20 years now and took Kyla's disappearance incredibly hard.
It was nearing the end of the day when Cho called her after leaving the Espejos' apartment, so she sent him home for the night. Rigsby got through to the security alarm manufacturer but they would only be able to produce any records the following day, so he and Van Pelt went to Granite Regional Park.
Evening was fast approaching by the time Lisbon actually got a hold of the woman hosting Lana Cregg's book club meeting Thursday night. Lisbon didn't know whether to feel relieved or agitated that their suspect pool was dwindling down, but she dutifully crossed Lana Cregg's name off the white board.
However a few minutes later, she had reason to be hopeful when Rigsby called to inform her that no one, even the security guards on duty two nights ago, could remember seeing Jeff Cregg jogging there. One man saw him a couple weeks before that but could vouch for the fact that the assemblyman was not a regular runner, at least not during his hours of duty, which were usually Tuesday and Thursday nights.
It seemed awfully suspicious to Lisbon, and she was eager to question the politician again. However a quick meeting with Hightower put a damper on her plans.
In short, Hightower concluded that he was not a flight risk and speaking to him for a third time that day would probably aggravate him more than produce results. Lisbon begrudgingly agreed, but not without warning her boss that she planned to speak with the Creggs first thing in the morning, and she would not afford the politician preferential treatment just because of his position, not when he was being uncooperative and probably lied about his alibi.
Hightower didn't seem too happy but consented in the end, leaving Lisbon hopeful as she left the supervisor's office.
Now, on her way back to the bullpen, she expects Jane to be gone, taking advantage of her absence to go question the Creggs, despite her direct order. Surprisingly however, he's actually there, lounging on the couch in her office.
"She said to hold off, huh?" He says more than asks, and Lisbon nods, displeasure written all over her face.
She sinks down into her chair, messaging her temples to stave off a headache, before returning to her paperwork.
"Eh, don't sweat it. It'll probably be more entertaining to get a crack at him tomorrow. He'd have had plenty of time to practice his poker face, and it'll be even more fun breaking him."
Jane says this with such an exaggerated expression of pure delight, Lisbon knows he's trying to cheer her up. She feels a little lighter somehow.
"Thanks for not going over there and causing a ruckus." She says quietly after a few moments and Jane's smile falters just slightly, barely a chink in his armor but Lisbon notices.
"I'm only doing what you asked." He counters; an innocent shrug of his shoulder, a hint of an impish smile on his face.
"Right," Lisbon looks on amusedly, "Since that happens so often, I shouldn't be surprised?"
Jane ponders for a moment, if only for affect, before reclining back on her couch, "Now you're just being mean, so I'll leave you to it."
Lisbon doesn't respond except to give him one more arched look before returning to her work again.
At some point, Jane excuses himself to make tea, and she's so focused on the report in front of her that she doesn't even notice the man standing in the threshold until he taps gently on the open door, catching her attention.
She doesn't recognize her intruder, but since he's dressed in dark pants, a striped white button down, a blue tie, and is holding his blazer and briefcase in his hand, Lisbon deduces that he must work somewhere in the building.
"Agent Lisbon, am I correct?"
It's only when he steps further into the room and shifts the placement of his right arm that she catches the glint off the badge clipped to his belt.
She frowns in surprise. Not only does this man work here, but he's also a cop and she's never seen him before.
After she doesn't say anything, he makes his way over and extends his right hand to shake hers.
"I'm Agent Michael Levit."
There's a hint of an Eastern European accent in his voice, and up close, his features attest to his overseas upbringing. He has a long, distinguished nose, a slight cleft in his chin, and extremely tanned skin matched with salt and pepper hair. His dark eyes are warm and inviting, though opaque, which gives him a certain air of detachment.
She shakes his hand and clears her throat, smiling suddenly to make up for her inhospitality up to this point, "I'm sorry, yes. It's nice to meet you. Will you be joining the CBI?"
"Oh, I already have. I will be the one heading the Serial Crimes Unit from now on."
And just like that, Lisbon is no longer as interested in getting to know this individual. Her hand drops to her side, abruptly severing contact. She was so curious about this man that she was completely unprepared for this, and now she can almost hear her heart palpitating in her chest as the initial shock wears off very slowly.
She wonders briefly why she never thought about Bosco's replacement, especially since her late mentor is never far from her mind. Though the last couple months have been so incredibly difficult, she can't exactly fault herself for being focused on other things, like saving her job.
Still, the pressure in her chest materializes out of nowhere and she takes a deep breath before speaking again, "Congratulations, you must be looking forward to it."
The gray haired man nods before replying, "Yes I most certainly am. In light of the circumstances that required a new captain for the unit, I wanted to introduce myself to you personally, just to avoid any awkwardness when Agent Hightower makes the formal announcement Monday morning."
Lisbon doesn't expect him to be so direct, yet so subtle. He doesn't mention the real reason his position had a vacancy, but alludes to it to let her know that he understands the delicate situation. It makes her unexpectedly more comfortable around him, diffusing some of the tension in the room.
"Well thank you, I really appreciate it. I'd like to welcome you to the CBI family then."
She smiles widely though professionally, politely acknowledging that this man seems to be intelligent and tactful, which is unfortunately a rare combination in male cops.
"Thank you, Agent Lisbon. It's late, I won't keep you. Have a good night."
"You too." Lisbon nods, exhaling deeply after Levit turns around, headed for the exit.
However, he pauses at the doorway.
"One more thing, Agent Lisbon. Needless to say, my being head of the unit is not going to change anything, case wise."
She must be so exhausted, she doesn't immediately understand what he's implying, but seeing the slightly somber expression on his previously smiling face forces the realization on her.
The Red John case is staying with her unit.
It's frightening to consider that that's exactly what the serial killer wants and Lisbon is almost inclined to refuse the offer, give the case back, have someone else deal with it.
Then she remembers the horrific scene she walked in on that morning in Bosco's office and the bile rises faster than she can prevent it. No one else should die like that, at Red John's bidding, and Lisbon takes a swallow of cold coffee before nodding to the agent standing by the door.
"I would hope so."
She can't help her stern voice, but hopes he doesn't get offended by the sudden shift in the air between them. Smiling understandingly at her, Agent Levit walks out of her office, and Lisbon picks up the report in front of her again.
She scans it for a moment, then suddenly realizes that in a few minutes Jane is going to saunter in here and figure out exactly who she was just talking to, which will no doubt lead to a confrontation of some sort. The urge to flee is consuming, because despite their recent closeness, there are things Jane and she do not talk about; his family is one, and Sam Bosco is the other.
She doesn't fight her overwhelming desire to escape.
Without thinking, Lisbon closes the report and begins to organize her paperwork as quickly as possible; however, she's not quick enough because in the middle of her cleaning, Jane walks in with his usual blue teacup, the matching saucer in tow.
Lisbon slows her movement but keeps her attention on the task, pretending nothing has changed since he left to make tea.
At first, Jane doesn't seem to notice anything amiss, or perhaps that's what he would like her to believe, but after a while, she can feel his eyes on her, a magnetic pull, coaxing her to look up.
"Who was that?" He asks quietly as soon as their gazes connect.
She doesn't want to tell him, knows he won't pity her, but actually saying it out loud makes her slightly nauseous. After a few seconds though, she realizes there's no point in lying to Jane or diverting the conversation elsewhere. He may be concerned, but he's equally determined and judging by his concentrated blue stare, he won't be backing down.
"Bosco's replacement," Lisbon replies curtly, determined not to let her true emotions show, even if she is honest about the facts.
"Oh."
Jane's face momentarily freezes in surprise, but she blinks and it's gone, replaced by his usual smile. However, this one isn't as exaggerated, and his eyes still reflect concern.
She holds his gaze for a few moments, until his worry proves to be too much. She doesn't need anyone to worry about her, it doesn't change anything, and really she's fine, just caught a little bit off guard.
She breaks eye contact, returns to gathering her things, and searches for her purse.
"You're going home?"
"Yes," Lisbon answers without looking at him. All of a sudden, she can't find her cell phone anywhere, and she focuses all her attention on retrieving the gadget since it's the only barrier to her leaving.
She's so consumed in her task that she doesn't notice Jane make his way over to sit on the edge of her desk until he's sitting right in front of her almost, her Blackberry in his hand.
"Looking for this?" He asks.
They're close enough that she can see the worry lines etched in his forehead, the creases surrounding his eyes. The crystal blue irises are darker somehow, weighed down by something.
Lisbon swallows involuntarily. "Thanks," she says, grabbing her cell phone and standing up to put on her jacket.
"You know I think I promised you a fun night out one of these days, and I don't see why we have to wait."
He says this so nonchalantly that Lisbon has half the intention of laughing it off, but then she meets his gaze and he stares back at her so genuinely that she can't help herself. She's rarely seen him be so earnest with her, but it's happened before and she knows he's only trying to help.
In his own way, he just wants to cheer her up.
Except, she's tired and knows that even distractions wont make this knot in her chest disappear.
"Now?" She asks incredulously, ignoring the flash of hurt in his eyes.
"What's holding you back anyway? It's not like we can make much headway with the case. Besides, aren't you even wondering where I'm going to take you?"
Lisbon wasn't thinking about that, mostly because she knows that when Jane's not being his irritatingly arrogant and frustrating self, he's actually a lot of fun. Perhaps that's what softens her to the idea of taking him up on his offer rather than retreating to her warm but lonely apartment.
"Alright fine, but since I haven't had a decent night's sleep in over three days, you're going to have to have me home by midnight."
Jane laughs heartily at her comment, before pushing off the desk and walking to the couch to retrieve his suit jacket.
"We'll see about that, Agent Lisbon."
He says before walking her out, his touch barely perceptible yet warm on the small of her back.
xxx
In the years Lisbon has lived in Sacramento, she never knew these types of theatres still existed.
This one is in the middle of nowhere, an hour out of the city, but still, when they pulled into the clearing and she realized Jane had taken her to a drive-in movie theatre, she was pleasantly surprised.
As soon as Jane stops, finding a clear enough spot between several cars, she can't help but turn in her seat to face the blond.
"Did you bring jumper cables?" She grins, a mischievous glint in her eye.
"What for?" Jane asks, already fiddling with radio to get adequate reception.
"You think this contraption will hold out for the two hours of the movie and the ride home?"
The car engine roars loudly and Lisbon can't stifle a laugh as a trace of worry crosses Jane's usually composed features. He contemplates for a moment, before relaxing back against his seat, padding the wheel affectionately,
"She's never let me down before. Nothing to worry about."
Lisbon nods, though she's skeptical. Nevertheless, she stops her teasing and picks up the brochure they received at the entrance.
"So, what movie are we watching?"
She's looking over the pamphlet, so she doesn't notice Jane smiling at her, pleased that he managed to coax her out for the evening. He'd seen the subtle change in her demeanor as soon as he re-entered her office with his tea. She wasn't just tired anymore, but rather on edge and a little sorrowful. She tried to hide it really well, but he could see through her composure in a second. Upon discovering whom she met while he was preparing tea, he shoved away his own concerns, in particular what would happen to the Red John case, to focus on Lisbon.
It's unusual for him to prioritize anything before the Red John case, and for most of the drive here, he was feeling a little uneasy about it. However, now seeing Lisbon smile and tease him, no longer as tense as she was just an hour ago, makes him think that his actions are worth it.
And that particular thought, instead of terrifying him, actually motivates him to maintain the relaxed expression on her face.
"Whatever you want." He says, then rubs his stomach a little, "I'm famished. Would you like anything?"
"Hmm. Why don't you surprise me?" Lisbon looks up from the brochure, green eyes twinkling with mirth.
He doubts he'll ever tire of eliciting that reaction from her.
"Your wish is my command, dear." He teases back, before getting out of the car. He closes the door but hesitates, turning around and peering into the car again.
"Oh hey, Lisbon, considering how fond you are of my baby here, I do sincerely hope that you don't drive away while I'm gone. That would be most cruel."
Lisbon's face lights up as if he's given her the most amazing idea, but ultimately she waves Jane off, shaking her head at him.
"I'm not going anywhere. I promise."
She says this somewhat sarcastically, but the words linger long after he makes his way back from the concession stand to surprise her with Twizzlers and extra buttered popcorn - her favorite movie snack.
xxx
They end up deciding on Annie Hall because Jane dares to say that Woody Allen's best picture is Play it again, Sam and Lisbon makes it her mission to change his mind. At some point, it stops being about that, though, and she finds herself settled in quite comfortably with a handful of popcorn and Jane sitting besides her, making the occasional inappropriate comment but overall behaving quite well.
It's only on the drive back as she tries hard to keep her eyes open that it occurs to her that she hadn't thought of Agent Levit, or the Red John case, or even Sam until now. It makes her look over at the man driving, really look at him, past the suit, past the charming smile, past the glint in her eyes.
Warmth settles low in her belly, but it doesn't unnerve her. Instead, it gives her a bit of confidence and, rather than retreating into herself, as she's been known to do on occasion, Lisbon decides to break the silence in the car.
"So what's the final verdict," she asks, twisting her body to face him. "Did I convince you or what?"
Jane tears his focus from the road for a moment and smiles at her.
"Oh well, Play it again, Sam is still his best film, but Annie Hall was a lot better than I remembered it to be."
"Really?" Lisbon raises her eyebrow, not convinced. "Why is that?"
"The company probably had something to do with it." He doesn't look away from the road this time, and Lisbon is thankful, because if anything her blush intensifies and she has to look away.
Jane is a flirt. That much is evident within ten minutes of meeting him, but something about tonight makes her more aware of his looks, his touches, and especially his words. It also leaves her with the pleasant reminder that she's a woman underneath her badge and gun, just like Jane is a man beneath his bravado and three-piece suits.
She's not sure how to categorize this new revelation, but it makes her feel good so she revels in it without thinking too much. They don't talk about anything important on the ride home, just easy, comfortable conversation. But when they pull up to her car in the CBI parking lot, Lisbon tells him honestly that she had a good time, and thanks him just as earnestly for taking her mind off of things.
Jane looks at her unfamiliarly for a moment, before smiling and leaning across her to open the passenger door. The movement brings him impossibly closer, and when Jane looks at her, she can see the speckles of green in his irises.
His gaze roams over her face for a moment before finally settling on her eyes; the confusion he finds there is so endearing that his hand twitches at his side.
But he doesn't touch her. Instead he reclines back in his seat, breaking the tension between them with a rueful smile.
"Anytime, Lisbon."
It's simple but meaningful, and Lisbon spends the rest of her evening with a lazy smile on her face, thoughts of everything that plagued her previously far from her mind.
TBC...