Simple Diversions

A/N: Here is the next chapter a little earlier than usual! I've been on a roll lately! This chapter is kinda short, but I had to end the case as this is not a case fic. Please leave a review and maybe if you're all good little readers I'll post a new chapter later today. Trust me, the next chapter is AMAZING! LOL!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Mentalist or any of the characters or ideas.

Chapter 6

"First you tell us that Avery is the killer, now you say it was Peter Lancaster?" Lisbon said to the two consultants that were sat on Jane's couch. "So, which one is it?"

"Well, at first all signs pointed to the girlfriend, but now we see that the signs actually point to the father." Jane replied easily.

"Really," Lisbon replied sarcastically. "How so?"

"Well," Jane began and pointed to Mia to continue.

"When we were in Avery's bed room we eavesdropped on one of their conversations." Mia said a little timidly with a rosy blush as she remembered hiding in the closet.

"And?" Lisbon prompted.

"Well, Avery seemed like she was genuinely grieving with her boyfriend, not pretending." Mia said. "Plus, the fact the Peter didn't know that they were dating, that would give him motive to kill Zavier."

"But he killed Stella, not Zavier." Lisbon replied.

"What if he meant to kill Zavier and killed Stella by mistake." Jane spoke up with his know it all grin.

"Wait, so you're saying that Peter got over protective and wanted to kill Zavier from the start, but killed Stella by mistake?" Lisbon asked. "That's absurd."

"Not really," Mia replied. "What if he just wanted to catch Zavier alone and have a talk with him, but took a gun just in case."

"Why would he do that if he were talking to a teenager, who was completely harmless?" Lisbon asked. She was getting tired of going around in circles.

"Because Mr Lancaster is a frightened and paranoid man," Jane replied smoothly. "That's why he took the gun, but he was taken by surprise when Stella walked into the shed and he shot her on impulse."

"But why would Stella be in the shed so late at night?" Lisbon asked tiredly.

"Because she was painting," Mia replied confidently. "There were oil paints and paintings in her shed. That was her hobby."

Lisbon looked to Jane as they both seemed puzzled by this news.

"OK, I admit I didn't know that part, but I knew everything else." Jane said triumphantly.

"That's a good theory you two, but we don't have proof." Daniel said as he walked into the room out of nowhere.

"Yes we do," Cho began as he walked up to the group of people. "We found a gun in Peter's house that has been proved by ballistics to be the gun that killed Stella Brand."

"Thanks Cho," Lisbon replied distractedly. "Why don't you guys go and pick him up."

"On it boss," Cho replied as he gathered Van Pelt and Rigsby.

The two consultants sat on the couch and awaited further commands while both Daniel and Lisbon stood speechless.

"Well, I guess the case is solved then." Daniel replied as he still stood with confusion clear on his features. "Well done Agent Lisbon, we'll be in touch."

Daniel shook Lisbon's hand and rounded up his team who had come in while Cho, Van Pelt and Rigsby had been on their way out.

"I'm watching you," Lisbon said as she walked to her office. "Both of you."

Jane and Mia both sat and took in a deep breath as they felt the slow rise of success make their bellies warm.

"I think we should celebrate our victory," Jane said as he stood. "Would you join me for some eggs and a drink?"

Mia looked at Jane's hand as he held it out to her.

"Well," Mia began, drawing the one syllable word out as much as possible. "I suppose I could since my date cancelled tonight."

Mia took Jane's hand and he helped her up. They both started walking towards the old, faithful elevator.

"So, earlier today," Mia began timidly. "You know, when we were hiding in the closet… You looked like you were gonna kiss me."

Jane seemed to think as they stood in the elevator.

"Well, it might've happened, but I don't particularly remember…" Jane replied playfully.

"Whatever, at least I get a free meal and a drink." Mia said as she swatted Jane on the arm.

"Yeah," Jane replied. "Aren't you lucky your imaginary date cancelled on you?"

Mia scoffed as the elevator dinged and indicated that they were on the ground floor.

"He was not imaginary," Mia said as they started walking towards Jane's little, blue Citroen. "He was a narcissistic pig who thought I would be a good lover, so I cancelled our date."

The two walked over to Jane's car and just stood in the cool breeze as the sun set behind them.

"OK," Jane replied. "I'll believe you this time, but only because of these five text messages on your phone that all keep repeating the same thing. 'Please take me back, I promise I'll treat you right, Bob.' Really, who dates someone named Bob?"

Mia was fuming as she replied, "Number one, he was cute and number two, give me my phone back!"

"Once we get to the restaurant I will," Jane replied as he got into his car. "I'm surprised you didn't feel me pick your pocket."

"Maybe I was too busy focusing on picking yours." Mia replied cheekily as she lifted up Jane's keys and wallet.

She's gonna be a handful, Jane thought to himself. But at least this'll be fun!

Please leave a review if you wanna know what happens next! Lara ;)

P.S. I now have a Twitter account where I will also be posting whenever I update one of my stories. You can find me and follow me LaraBaker101