Authors note: Thank you very much for the reviews and encouragement, they really do keep you writing. I'm not all that comfortable with writing Jane so this is interesting for me to do.
Sorry I went over it when I was a little more awake and hopefully caught the errors.
Constructive criticism is always welcome, it makes me better, as does not doing my grammar check tired with two glasses of wine in me.
Disclaimer: Not mine, not now, not ever.
Alicia Mallory had walked, actually more like strutted, into his life 8 months ago. A reluctant witness in a murder case, she had enticed and captivated him from the start. When they met at the art gallery where their victim was found and where Alicia worked at, Jane could see that she knew something. She had denied any knowledge of the incident, forcing the team to call her in officially.
She was the epitome of glamour, with her long, light, brown hair interspersed with caramel highlights and her Gucci wrap dress, cut high to emphasise her curvaceous body. She stood at least an inch taller than him in heels, perfectly poised, she screamed sultry and his body heeded her call.
Jane was shocked by his arousal at the picture she presented, sure she had some similarities to his wife but she seemed more like the woman he used to con, than marry. When Red John had been killed his life had immediately felt lighter, but after eight years of compete disinterest in women he was shocked to find he still had these feelings and was even capable of desire.
He and Lisbon watched as Alicia shimmied into the interview room followed by Cho. There the two had remained in a staring contest, neither moving or willing to be the first to break.
Jane grew impatient watching their non verbal back and forth and wanted to talk further with this temptress. He brushed past Lisbon and entered the room.
"Hello Miss ...?" Jane questioned, flashing her his million dollar smile. Of course he knew her, they had been introduced but beautiful women hated to be forgotten.
Alicia finally reacted to the attractive man's attention, "It's Alicia, Alicia Mallory and you are ?" far more attractive than the other guy, she thought, but two could play this game.
"I'm Patrick Jane. So tell me Miss Mallory, what did you see?" he asked as he lent towards her.
"I've seen many things Mr. Jane...its not detective or agent is it?" She knew he wasn't, F.B.I. perhaps, but a run of the mill cop in an Italian designer suit, not likely.
"No it isn't, I'm a consultant." Jane smirked as her eyes slid appreciatively over him, he wasn't used to a women being so overt around him. Clearly his usual damaged air had been somewhat diminished.
"So what did you see on the night of Rick David's murder... to be more specific?"
"Hmm that information seems to be worth a lot to everyone, exactly how valuable is it to you?" Alicia raised her eyebrow in a challenge.
"This is ridiculous just answer the question Ma'am" Cho interrupted, frustrated by their eye sex and the complete lack of forthcoming relevant details.
"No" Alicia answered never taking her eyes from Jane's.
"Answer the question or I'll book you for obstruction" Cho said, his tone never wavering despite his impatience. A man was dead for god sakes, they were a police service not a dating agency.
"Now, now Cho, lets just see what the lady is proposing." Jane was curious, he understood Cho's frustration but he was enjoying this banter too much to stop.
"Five questions, Mr Jane... a very simple request", Alicia purred "...answer them and Ill answer yours, you know... tit for tat" she drew out the last three words for emphasis.
"A fair deal, go ahead" Jane confirmed.
Alicia lent back, as if appraising one of the paintings in her gallery."What car you drive reveals a lot about a man...so what is your vehicle of choice?"
Jane knew exactly what his car said about him and it was all positive, "I drive a vintage Citron DS. So what does that say about me to you then?"
"A classic car, quality, smooth, sleek, futuristic for its time and handles well, I believe it was an executives car named most beautiful somewhere. So it tells me you think very highly of yourself Mr. Jane but that you can back it up... and also you feel out of place sometimes in this world."
Jane was both impressed and shocked at her knowledge. This woman really was impressive. Granted Lisbon had know just as much about his car and cars in general but she hadn't been so generous with her appraisal of what it meant about him.
Lisbon and he had ended up returning in his car after a case involving a dealership and they had begun discussing cars. She had scathingly summed him and his car up with mentions of ego, showmanship and creakiness. They had laughed as he came back with cars for her, suggesting a mini van for safety, control and its ability to cart people and large items around.
"Interesting observations" he mused, "So what is your next question?." Jane was totally unsure of this woman and what her next random question would be, there was no logic to them at all.
"You wear a wedding ring, so are you married?" Alicia didn't cheat and she wasn't wasting her time flirting on a married man.
"No I'm a widower." Jane's voice shook no matter how many years passed it still hurt.
"I'm so sorry that must be tough, was it long ago?" The man seemed so happy and confident she presumed it was a while ago, but the wound was still there when he spoke about it.
"Was that you third question." Jane teased trying to cover up his pain.
"If it gets me an answer then yes" Alicia said simply.
"Nine years ago...they were murdered" Jane trailed off, he could see Cho watching with interest at his forthcoming attitude.
I bet that doesn't make it any easier Mr. Jane, I truly am sorry, though words mean little." She lapsed into silence and Jane could see that she had no intention of continuing their game.
He respected her for that but she had two more questions and she struck him as the type to have a big finish.
"Miss Mallory, I believe you still have two more questions, or is what you've learned simply too much for you?" he baited, hoping she wasn't put off that easily.
Cho snorted and turned to glare at Jane, he was seriously pissed off now and this was getting them nowhere.
"It takes more than that to scare me off Patrick, alright then, what is your worst quality?"
"Ah I have many negative qualities but my worst...hmm my worst would have to be that I'll do whatever it takes to win."
Alicia looked thoughtfully at the blonde man, "That's an interesting one Mr. Jane, some would consider that a positive attribute."
"Not they way I do it."
Alicia considered him for a second before leaning in, "My final question Mr Jane is... are you free next Tuesday, my art gallery is having a show and I'd like you to accompany me?"
"That is very tempting Alicia, but we are not allowed date possible suspects." Jane chided.
"Well I think that's incentive to solve the case no? and to help you along ill let you and the quietly seething Mr. Cho there, know what I saw that night." She smirked towards Cho.
"Finally" Cho muttered under his breath.
Leaning back in consiprationally, Alicia lowered her voice so Cho couldn't hear her easily as punishment for his earlier rudeness. I saw George Fredrickson enter the building at 10.12 pm, he had on a black leather coat and was carrying something. He left at 10.30 pm sans coat or parcel. That is all I know" she shrugged.
Cho leapt out of the chair and through the interrogation room doors, running straight into Lisbon who had been watching from behind the glass.
Lisbon skipped the pleasantries, "We've had the crime scene sectioned off since the murder, so that means..."
"That as the murder was called in so quickly, he wouldn't have had time to retrieve them." Cho finished.
Jane came to the door, "Try the men's room ceiling, he seems like the type... oh and I've said Alicia can go."
Lisbon spun to face him, "One, she cannot go, this could be a false lead and two, Jane, you cannot date her until this is resolved so don't agree to any dates until we have the killer in custody, please."
"Ok Lisbon since you asked nicely."
She motioned for a guard to watch the room, "Thank you. Are you coming?"
"No I think this will be wrapped up quickly, all so dull, I'll stay here and entertain our guest."
"Fine, Cho your with me." Jane watched as Lisbon departed barking orders and organising the group. He knew they would get there man and be done by Tuesday, that's why he only agreed to keeping Miss Mallory here, Lisbon should have demanded a clearer reply. He wandered back in to discuss their date with his beguiling enchantress.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Their date had gone well, She had flirted and he found himself enthralled, she was both knowledgeable and charismatic. They both had an appreciation for tea, wines and fine dining. Her knowledge of art and classical music, meant the conversation never dried up.
He quickly found himself in a relationship and after a month and a half together, renting a rather nice loft nearer to work after Alicia's being appalled at his living in a hotel. She had provided him with suggestions of some available places that were appropriate and he moved in.
Lisbon and the team had been surprised but pleased at this turn of events. He knew the CBI was gossiping at his new lease of life. The team joked that he was no longer a permanent fixture in the CBI and he had jested that they were just jealous.
The others came back with threats that one of them would have to begin sleeping on the couches to maintain the status quo. Lisbon had just rolled her eyes and returned to work calling back her vote for Cho as he snored the least and spent most of the time reading anyway.
Jane realised it was one of the first times he was genuinely happy in a long time. He was sure the team would love Alicia and started thinking of ways to bring them all out with each other, so he could have all the people he cared about together.