When Lisbon and Jane where alone, he breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. Teresa who still sat beside him, moved to kiss him, but he stopped her. "Remember? I threw up and I didn't brush my teeth this time. I'll do it later. But for now I can't recommend kissing me."
She conceded the point but pecked his lips anyway. "Thank you for cooperating. Some day I really want you to tell me where this dislike of doctors really comes from. But I'm glad you allowed Gloria to help you." She caressed his cheek. "I'll stay, but I think I should give Cho a call. They might wonder what's happened to us."
He nodded. "Good idea. Ask him if they've gotten somewhere with Keen."
She cast him an exasperated look. "Of course, Jane. You didn't need to remind me. And while we're here we, or rather I, should also fix our evidence bag. Make two of it."
She found her cell phone and called her second in command to explain the situation. With only getting her half of the conversation, Jane became more an more impatient. Most of the time she only nodded or made noncommittal noises. When she finally hung up, he looked at her face full of anticipation. "What did he say?" he inquired.
She chuckled. "Nothing much, I'm afraid. Keen isn't very cooperative yet. But Cho thinks he might have gotten a bit insecure. You will get your try later. We'll see, what you can do. Now, let's fix our evidence." She produce the plastic bag from the pocket of her jacket. "Well, he has short hair and it's nearly completely gray in color. Maybe a light tan. Can you believe it? We might hold his DNA in our hands right now. This is huge, Patrick! Good work back there," she praised him. He sent her a small, but happy enough smile.
She donned some rubber gloves, got another clean bag out of her pocket, and separated the short strands carefully, moving about half of them over to the other pouch. When she was finished, she closed both of them painstakingly and placed them in her pocket again. Afterwards she removed the gloves, sat back down beside him, and took hold of his hand. "How are you doing, Patrick?"
"I don't know," he answered truthfully. "Physically? Well, I guess this," he motioned to the trip, "is actually helping. I do feel better. Other than that, I have no idea. Numb, empty, elated, subdued, guilty, relieved. A jumble of things." He sighed. "I'm glad you're here with me. That's at least one thing I'm sure of," he added silently.
She caressed his cheek again. "Thank you for your honesty. I know this isn't easy. And that you have a bit of a hard time sharing your emotions with anyone. Thanks for trying though. I appreciate it."
He nodded. "I might need some time on my own later today. Please don't take it the wrong way, okay? I have a lot on my mind and I have to work through it somehow. It doesn't mean that I'm trying to shut you out," he reassured her carefully.
"I understand that. As long as you know that I'm here to talk whenever you feel like it. But let's be clear about one thing: If you dare to blame yourself for your father's death, I'll beat the crab out of you!" she threatened.
The short spark of guilt she could see in his eyes confirmed her suspicions. She growled angrily. "I just knew it. God, Patrick. Once again: You are not responsible for the actions of a deranged serial killer! And if anything, Alex brought it onto himself. He shouldn't have attacked you in the first place. Stop this nonsense immediately or I swear, I'll punch your nose. This has to stop. You don't carry the sins of the world on your back. I won't stand for it anymore. Do you hear me?"
He looked at her, eyes wide with astonishment at her outburst. "But if it weren't…" he started.
"No! We don't play 'what if' here. I won't allow it. If that's what you plan to do once I leave you alone to your thoughts, I'll not leave your side even for a second, Jane."
She had to catch a breath before she continued with even more fervor. " Okay, if you want to play what if, I'll give you what if: what if your bastard of a father didn't have sex with your mother? What if, Patrick? What if your grandparents hadn't gotten a child? Or, what if there hadn't been a big bang some billion years ago?" She searched his eyes and found him paying her his full attention. "This is a useless game, can't you see that? You are so smart, but sometimes I swear you're the biggest idiot I know," she finished. And though her words had been harsh, her voice and eyes had been full of love while talking.
"Are you harassing my patient, Agent Lisbon?" Gloria asked teasingly from the doorway, about to re-enter the treatment room. She had overheard the last part and most importantly had noticed the kind of voice the Senior Agent had used. Suddenly a lot of things fell into place. These two were more than close friends. That much was obvious to her now. She smiled warmly at them.
"No, just talking some sense into this stubborn mule," Lisbon huffed. "Or rather, trying to. Who knows what's going on in that head of his? Completely nuts, if you ask me. A serial killer murders his asshole of a father and he feels guilty about it. Can you believe it?"
The doctor cast her a skeptical look. "He doesn't actually think that, does he? That's just…"
"Well, no. He doesn't and he's actually here…" Jane jumped into the conversation. "I just meant to say that if it hadn't been for my connection to him, Red John wouldn't have killed him. And that is the truth. You can't deny that," Patrick fnished, slightly peeved they were acting like he was invisible, talking like he wasn't in the room.
"Yes, and so what? It doesn't change a damn thing, Jane. Shit happens. Would it have been any better if he'd just done the usual thing and killed some random innocent young woman?" Lisbon inquired forcefully.
"Well, if you put it like that," he conceded.
She rolled her eyes. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. He was your father but foremost he was an abusive, heartless, selfish, ruthless, evil little creep. And he was about to cause you a world of trouble. Of course I would prefer it if Red John didn't off anyone at all, but given the choice, I'd much rather he killed him than someone innocent. Maybe that makes me a bad person, but that's what I think."
"I might not know all the facts, but Teresa's arguments sound rather convincing, Patrick. Maybe you should listen to your girlfriend, dear," Gloria concurred.
"What do you mean, my girlfriend?" Patrick asked.
"Oh, come on. I'm neither blind nor deaf. Sorry Teresa, but you gave it away. I only discovered it by chance, though. You couldn't have known I would come in at that particular moment in time. Other than that, you've both been rather convincing in your act. Don't worry though. Your secret is safe with me," the medical officer explained with a warm smile. "Now, Patrick. How are you feeling? The drip's just about finished."
"Fine. I feel fine. Better. Thanks. So I'm ready to blow this joint?" he inquired.
"You won't be blowing anything on my watch, but you'll be allowed to leave soon," she chuckled. "Your arm is healing nicely by the way. Does it still hurt much?"
He shook his head. "Only certain movements. Everything that requires application of force."
"Are you still taking any pain medications?" she inquired while carefully taking the needle out of his arm and putting a band aid on the puncture wound.
"I took a pill this morning. I slept a bit awkwardly on my arm and it hurt like hell at first after waking up. But that was almost six hours ago. I guess I'm nearly off it," he offered.
"Well, try without for a while then. But don't hesitate to take something, should the pain get worse. I'll see you again tomorrow. Now shoo. I've seen enough of you for one day," she teased him.
Patrick got down from the table. He just stood in thought for a moment. Then he walked over to the older woman and pecked her on the cheek. "Thanks for your patience with me. And for the help. I do feel better than in quite a while."
"You look better too, dear. I even see rosy cheeks," Gloria said happily. "Now, out with you."
Both agent and consultant did so, though Lisbon halted in the door. "Patrick, would you go ahead? I've something I need to ask Gloria in private."
He cast her a questioning look but nodded, left and closed the door.
"So Teresa. What's this all about? Nothing serious I hope?" the doctor inquired.
Lisbon shook her head and blushed a little. "No, not exactly. I… it's been very hectic at work lately and I've… it's well…" she stammered.
Gloria smiled benevolently at her. "Dear, it can't be that embarrassing. Just come right out and say it. Believe me, I've heard it all before."
Teresa plucked up her courage. "Well, as you've already figured it out, I'm involved with Jane."
Gloria nodded kindly and the agent decided to just come right out and say her part. "It's, well. It's only been a few days. And what I really want to say is… at the moment I don't have the time to make an appointment with my gynecologist. I know, it's not strictly your field of expertise anymore, but you told me once that it used to be." Lisbon took a deep breath and then continued in a rush. "So I wondered whether you could give me a prescription for some contraceptive pill? I promise, I'll see my usual doctor as soon as possible, but I'm honestly fed up with using condoms all the time," she explained, the blush reappearing with full force.
The doctor chuckled warmly. "Ah, I see. Young love. How sweet. No reason to be ashamed, Teresa. He is a very charming and handsome man. If I was twenty years younger…" She got a dreamy look. "Anyway, I understand. I can give you a prescription for one month but not more, okay? You've used something before, haven't you?" she asked.
Teresa nodded and the doctor continued. "I'll check your file then. If one brand agreed with you, there's no need to experiment with anything new."
She went to her computer called up Lisbon's file and a minute later the printer produced a prescription she signed and handed over. "Here you are, dear. Now have a lot of fun." She winked and Teresa blushed a little again and Gloria smiled, amused at the normally tough lady's obvious discomfort.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Lisbon asked with slight irritation.
The medical officer chuckled again. "To be honest? Yes. You're usually such a hard-ass cop, it's delightful to see the coy woman inside for once." Teresa's gaze could have killed. "Ah, don't pull such a face, dear. He's a great catch. I'm sure he's more than worth a little embarrassment. Now shoo, or he'll get worried. Can't be much fun to stand outside my door for that long."
"I told him to go ahead," Lisbon said, sounding slightly petulant to her own ears.
"And we both know he didn't," Gloria replied with another chuckle.
When Lisbon opened the door, a curly blond head was the first thing she caught sight of on the other side. Every trace of irritation left her face and a bright smile found its way onto her lips instead.
"I told you to go ahead, Jane," she scolded him very half-heartedly.
"And I decided against your suggestion, Lisbon." He grinned.
"It wasn't a suggestion."
"Oh? What else could it have possibly been? You enjoying the sound of your own voice maybe?" he teased.
She slapped his shoulder. "Idiot."
They made their way to the lift. As they were alone inside Patrick dared to ask. "What was that all about, Teresa? You're not sick or something, are you?" A bit of worry was visible on his face.
"No, Patrick. Just some girl-stuff." She blushed a bit once more.
"Girl-stuff?" He raised his brows.
She nodded with a defiant glint in her eyes.
"Lisbon? If you lie to me, please try at least to be convincing. You don't do girl-stuff. So what is it?" he inquired, curiosity shining from his face.
She groaned. "You won't leave this be, will you?"
"Nope."
She nodded. "Thought so. Well actually, I do girl-stuff… kind of. With you as a matter of fact, Jane," she said and sullenly handed him a piece of paper she'd pulled out of her pocket.
His eyes widened. "Ah… You know, you could've just told me. I guess it's safe to say that we are in this together. Sorry for the bad pun." He smiled at her warmly and she couldn't help but snicker. His expression turned very intent. "I love you, Teresa. And if I didn't still have that long-dead hamster hidden somewhere in the back of my mouth, I'd kiss you silly now."
She laughed out loud. "Oh my god, how am I supposed to get that picture out of my head ever again? A dead hamster? Really, Jane."
"Not that I would know from personal experience, but I do imagine it would taste approximately like this," he said with a very serious face.
She looked thoroughly disgusted now. "I'm not sure I'm ever gonna kiss you again, Jane. That's just gross."
"I fully understand that. And you are just the one thinking about it. Imagine to be the one actually carrying that corpse in your mouth." He chuckled at her expression. "Don't worry. I'll go and brush my teeth as soon as we reach the bullpen. I have a toothbrush in my desk." After a short moment of contemplation he added. "Or maybe I should do my first interview with Keen very close up before I do? Would that be considered torture, Agent Lisbon?"
They had reached their destination and left the lift. On their way to the bullpen they continued their banter.
She rolled her eyes. "You will brush your teeth at once, Jane. That's an order. I even have some mouthwash stashed somewhere I think. You can borrow it."
"Are you really sure you'll want it back, after it's been in contact with this?" He pointed at his mouth.
"Jane! Stop being so disgusting. Honestly," she huffed.
He snickered with obvious mirth, when she pulled another nauseated face. "I never expected you to be so squeamish, Lisbon."
"I'm not squeamish, Jane," she protested, just as they entered the open office area.
"Yes you are."
"I am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"You're certainly both childish," Cho deadpanned.
Jane and Lisbon exchanged a wordless conversation with their eyes only and then said as one. "We are not."
Rigsby and Van Pelt grinned at that and even Cho couldn't help but lift one corner of his mouth in a nearly there smile.
"Where's Keen and who's keeping watch?" Lisbon inquired ending the fun and getting back to business.
"Interrogation room 1, Walters and Taylor are both watching him. We have been taking turns checking up on him every five minutes as well," Cho reported.
"Very good. Continue with it. Jane and I will have a little chat with him in a few minutes. But our consultant here has to get rid of a dead animal first," Lisbon said a small smile playing on her lips.
TBC
Today the sun made an appearance after weeks of hiding behind a gray sky and I enjoyed a nice, long walk. My mood's VERY improved... and you can make me even happier with a little review...
