OCTOBER- Halloween

This one may be a little obvious, but what the heck! This one will be a couple of chapters long. It kind of got away from me….yeah freeking story bunnies were reading the Party City Halloween Costume ads.

DISCLAIMER: Story Bunnies, and Candy I am pretending I have not bought yet are mine….nothing else is.

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The foul mood that Lisbon carried back to through the bullpen from Minelli's office generally meant one thing. Jane had caused the Boss another headache. She would be forced to explain something he did or said. But instead of the typical tersely barked "JANE!" as she strode to her office, Lisbon stopped in the bullpen. The other three agents exchanged worried looks. This wouldn't be good.

"It seems that this case of the couple who were killed after leaving that club has attracted the attention of some very important people. Therefore, since we don't have any open cases right now, it's an all hands on deck. We are being asked to work with the other units on a task force".

They all knew about that case. Charles and Violet Browne, a socially prominent couple were murdered in their car as they left Dante's Fire. It was one of those of the moment, oh so trendy places. The whole state had been buzzing about it especially since the Brownes had dined at the Governor's mansion the night before.

"So, the thinking is that whoever murdered them made contact at the club. They want some CBI to infiltrate and shadow some identified potential suspects. The club only opens for certain events. Harvest Moon, where the Browne's got killed was the last one, the next is Halloween."

"Are we to be the help? My bartending skills are a little rusty." True to form, Rigsby had asked the first question. Cho glanced at Lisbon's face. It was going to be worse than that, he knew. Jane's arrival with several garment bags and an impish grin caused him to groan inwardly. This was about to get really bad.

"Nothing to fear. I have gone out and, surprisingly enough at this last moment, procured costumes for us all."

Jane's cheerful announcement caused them all to close their eyes and wince. But it was about to get even more upsetting.

"You know, when Agent Minelli announced that you would all have to wear costumes that would go along with the Sexy Halloween theme, I was worried about finding something that would suit each one of you. But I have even surpassed my own imaginings."

One look at Lisbon's pained expression confirmed Van Pelt's worse fear. Again she was going to have to play sexy as an agent. She was seriously thinking of complaining. But she knew she wouldn't. If Lisbon could stand it, so would she.

"Sexy Halloween? What the hell does that mean?" Cho spit out despite himself.

"Since the help is also under surveillance, and that has been covered, they need people to blend with the partygoers. We will be expected to show up and behave like guests. Since this is a directive from the Governor's office, co-operation will be mandatory. Since Jane and his observational skills will be so useful, our team is going in to back him up." Lisbon's explanation was ground out through clenched teeth.

"Ok, Costume time everyone. I found the perfect outfit for you all. Cho, since you have been working out so much, I thought this Cowboy outfit would do for you" Cho took the vest and pants and boots and shook his head. He was pretty sure it was meant to be worn without a shirt. He knew he would look like one of the Village People.

"Van Pelt, I know this Bunny costume is almost a cliché, but very I am sure you can make it work for you." As Grace held the deep green crushed velvet costume up to herself, Jane stole a look at Rigsby's face. He looked a little dazed as he stared at the woman of his dreams holding up the ultimate fantasy costume.

"Rigsby, Rigsby!" It took a couple of times to get his attention. Clearly, he was picturing Grace as a Playboy Bunny. Jane was wondering if they would have to wipe drool from his chin in a moment. "RIGSBY!!!" Wayne startled and then looked appalled at the costume being handed to him. "I'm wearing a skirt?" The horror on his face was almost comical.

"No, Rigsby, you are to be a Roman Centurion." As Wayne held up the costume he knew why he hated dressing in costumes. They always looked stupid on him for one reason. "Jane, did you tell them my size?"

"I told them you were tall"

"How tall?"

"Taller than me. What's the problem?"

"This costume would be short on you, and I have 6 inches on you. There is no way I can wear this."

"Rigsby, none of us like this, but it comes from much higher up than me"

"I understand Boss but if I wear this, will have a bigger problem than pissing off the brass. Everyone will get a clear view of mine! I have an idea. Do you trust me to come up with something that will work? There isn't a costume place anywhere that will have something to fit someone my size"

"I guess so. But remember it has to go with the theme. You will have to be a little out of your comfort zone"

"I promise it will be ok"

Lisbon swung back to Jane almost afraid to see what he would pull out next.

"As for you Agent Lisbon, I thought you would enjoy this" Jane held up short plaid skirt and skimpy white blouse. Lisbon closed her eyes to fend off the sight of a sexy school girl costume.

"What about you, Jane? What are you wearing? Of course, a pirate"

"Yes, I thought I would channel my inner Errol Flynn"

As they each turned back to their desk with a mental picture of how they would look, they took a small measure of comfort that only those on their team would see them like this. Like any good team or family this would be one of those family secrets they would all carry to their graves. Loyalty counted for something.

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A/N: This is where I shamelessly beg for reviews. Not for me, of course, but those story bunnies are needy little bastards!!