The next weeks had been filled with many changes. Several promotions had taken place. Teresa was the new supervisor for CBI's Major Crimes Unit. As promised she'd gotten an assistant, a very eager and capable young woman named Gemma Myers. She had been almost finished with the police academy when she'd gotten pregnant and was left a single mom aged 24, when the child's father – a cop as well – had been killed on duty. Now her daughter had started school and she was ecstatic to be able to do some kind of police work without being in the field and in danger. She was efficient, smart, and kind and most importantly, she got on with Jane. They'd hit it off right from the start, or rather he'd actually been the one who'd picked her out of the applicants immediately and had kind of adopted her as a niece or something like that. And he'd fallen in love with Gemma's five year old daughter Emily and vice versa the moment they'd set eyes on each other.
With her assistant doing most of the paperwork and organizing her office Lisbon had time to still work in the field. Thus she had made a habit of supporting all the teams under her as often as possible, firstly to better get to know everybody with their strengths and weaknesses and secondly because they were actually quite a few agents short at the moment because the investigation into Red John's network – mostly conducted by a relentless LaRoche – had sadly revealed quite a few corrupt ones inside the CBI.
The "new" homicide team was also only consisting of three agents at the moment: the new senior agent Kimball Cho, his second in command Wayne Rigsby and their data expert Grace Van Pelt. And because theirs usually were the most serious crimes investigated by the CBI, they were often complemented by their section head.
Getting assistance from the new special agent in charge had another plus because more often than not she brought along her personal consultant, one Patrick Jane, who'd been assigned to her office specifically. "You know best how to keep him in line, Teresa," had been Minelli's words upon informing her of the new arrangement. "And you'll know which cases will benefit most from his expertise anyway. Why not make it official?"
This development had been preceded by a long talk Virgil had had with Patrick on the day the latter had been allowed back on active duty:
"Ah, Patrick, nice of you to join me. Welcome back! Don't be shy, sit down, sit down," the director greeted his visitor. "I'm happy to see that you followed my invitation so promptly."
Jane winked and said, "Well, you ARE the boss, Virgil, aren't you?"
"Never stopped you before," the older man had replied with an indulgent smile.
Patrick turned serious. "Yes, and it might not stop me in the future either, but right now I'm too grateful for the support you've given Teresa lately. And for your backing in the aftermath of Earl's death. Thank you."
"There's absolutely no need to thank me, Patrick. I'm glad I could help. But now we have to talk about that ridiculous contract I came upon while organizing my office." He shook his head. "How the hell could you accept that piece of crap? Teresa tried to explain your reasoning to me but frankly, I still don't get it. But it's in the past. And it goes without saying that it's null and void." He eyed the man in front of him carefully. "I have several propositions to make, Mr. Jane. First of all I ask you to be honest with me. Have you put any thought into your future with the CBI? Have you maybe other plans up your sleeve? I'd like to know before we proceed."
Jane sported a thoughtful look and pondered Minelli's question thoroughly for several minutes. "As you can imagine I've had quite a bit of time at my hands lately to do some thinking, Virgil. Of course my career options also played a major role. If you've studied my personnel file – and I'm sure you did – you know that I don't have any formal education. Which leaves me a bit limited in my choices." He smiled a bit ruefully. "But that's probably beside the point anyway. I know that my work for the CBI is the best possible way to use my abilities in a – shall we say – mostly legal setting. And I like the intellectual challenges some of our cases offer. The only problem is that I'm not all that comfortable with all those strict rules. I still believe that it's somewhat necessary to step over them at times when fighting against murderers."
The director nodded pensively. "That is indeed a problem, Patrick. But I'm willing to offer you some leeway and I'm sure Hightower will do so as well when she takes over after me. Still, some things have to change if the propositions I have for you are supposed to work out for both sides. Maybe we have to give it a try and see whether we're able to compromise."
"What is it you're suggesting? I'm a bit intrigued, I've to admit that."
"First let me point out that the CBI isn't the only place where your talents could be put to use. It's probably not very smart of me to tell you, but I've had a lot of inquiries for your services lately. The FBI seems especially interested in employing you. I had an agent Darcy in here several times requesting your contact information. I declined to give anything to her after Lisbon told me, she was the one involved in that screw up in Nevada." Minelli cast his visitor a pointed look.
Jane raised his brows. "Susan wants me to work for her? You've got to be kidding me. Last time we met she'd just arrested my team and the time before that she accused me of being in cohorts with Red John. Well, still good to hear that she's back on her feet after her break down." As an afterthought he added quietly, "You know, there's a good chance, she was the one who shot Luther Wainwright? After having him cooperate with her to find me out as Earl's right hand man? It's a bit ironic that she wants to work with me now. But maybe she just wants to clear the air or something. I'll give her a call."
"That might be part of it, but she told me explicitly that she and others at the FBI want you to work for them. I just thought it would be fair to you to tell you that you do have a few options, Patrick," the older man explained.
The blond man shook his head vehemently. "I'll never work for the FBI. Never. From what I've heard they haven't even been forthcoming during the latest investigations into Earl's network. J. J. is still trying to locate Lorelei Martins and the Feds are still not willing to give up her location, though she could probably help a lot with flushing out the remaining minions." He snorted. "If anything I might just use my call to Darcy to give her a piece of my mind. The very least they should offer at this point is their full cooperation. They've had their fair share of moles as well after all and LaRoche's managed to uncover them even without their assistance. It would've been a lot easier if they'd just swallowed their damn pride and helped. In my opinion we should ask the DA to charge them with obstruction."
He cast a meaningful look at Minelli. "Though I know that not all is well in CBI-land either, my impression is that there's a lot more honesty and decency to be found here. I appreciate that. And I really like the people I'm working with. I don't need fancy equipment and better resources, something I'm sure the Feds are going to try and bait me with. As you know, my way of solving cases doesn't need all that knick-knack, though I wouldn't mind our agents to be a bit better equipped at times."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that you want to stay with us, Mr. Jane. It suits in with my proposal. I want to turn the matters of employment with you into a more permanent arrangement. Ultimately I'd like to grant you the position of honorary agent, but for now I offer you a permanent contract with all benefits still naming you as a consultant." Minelli eyed Jane closely to see his reaction while waiting for a reply.
Jane in turn didn't give away anything. He returned the intense look and motioned for the director to go on speaking, well aware that this was just the start of what the older man had to offer. When Minelli didn't resume talking, Patrick sighed. "Why don't you just put all the cards on the table, Virgil? Or do I need to drag it out of you? We can of course play a game of twenty questions or something. Like what's the catch with offering me a title like agent? I'm sure there're quite a few conditions attached to that. So spill."
Minelli grinned in satisfaction. "I thought you'd never ask," he stated merrily.
"You should be VERY careful to play games with me or manipulate me, Virgil. You know who's gonna win," Jane warned him with a wink and a devious smirk.
Minelli's smile faltered a bit but as he hadn't really expected any less from his opponent, he just shrugged and went on, "It was worth a try. Wanted to see how fast you'd catch on. Should've known it wouldn't take you more than a millisecond."
Patrick raised his brows and smiled smugly. "Get on with it already, old man. You stalling like that tells me, I won't particularly like what you have to offer."
"That depends. Personally I think it's a great opportunity, but you might have some doubts." Jane cast him an impatient look. "Okay, no more stalling," Virgil conceded with an indulgent glance at his younger companion. "There's been a lot of discussion going on both at the CBI and at the DOJ. And while everybody agrees that you're an invaluable member of this fine institution, quite a few questions have been raised about your suitability when it comes to certain areas of law enforcement work."
The consultant looked at him in astonishment. "Such as?" he inquired warily.
"Well, some people have pointed out that your nearly fatal injury could've probably been avoided if you'd worn suitable protection and had been better instructed in the ways of self defense and the like."
Patrick snorted. "That's bullshit, Virgil, and you know it. It's a lot more likely that I'm here and talking to you exactly because no one – including myself and Red John - expected me to jump in where angels fear to tread. I'm pretty sure it was the very fact that I give a damn about the usual tactical procedures that tipped the scales in our favor."
The older man nodded. "You're probably right. But those were special circumstances and we might not be so lucky next time, Patrick. Personally, I'd sleep a lot easier knowing that you're able to defend yourself. If not for your own sake then for Teresa's. It would destroy her if anything happened to you. It hurt to see her so devastated back in LA. I've never seen her in such a state. She's a tough one, but her fear for you almost made her snap."
"I know," Jane admitted meekly.
"Splendid! Then you won't be opposed to doing something about it?" Virgil half asked, half stated.
"Wait a minute. I didn't say that. I only acknowledged that I know how hard it all was on Lisbon."
"Isn't that practically the same thing?" the director asked with raised brows. "I mean, you love her, don't you?" Jane nodded. "Well, then surely you don't want to put her through something like that again?"
"Of course I wouldn't willingly do that. But we both know there're no guaranties in our line of work – suitable protection or not," the younger man replied slightly miffed.
Minelli made an appeasing hand gesture. "Alright, Patrick. But I still hope you're ready to do whatever possible to avoid a repeat. During the past decade surviving hasn't been exactly high up on your list of priorities. Isn't that so?" Jane gave another, albeit hesitant nod and Virgil continued insistently and in a tone demanding obedience, "Things have changed now. This isn't only about you anymore. And I had really hoped, you would've readjusted your priorities accordingly. Tell me, I'm right or I'll kick you out of my office and City Hall faster than you can say Lisbon."
"Geez, Virgil! I told you not to play mind games with me. There's really no need to threaten me into agreeing. You haven't even explained what you and all those omniscient big wigs at the ministry have come up with. I'm not stupid enough to just say yes to whatever it is you're proposing. And as you've kindly pointed out: I have other job options as well."
Casting the older man a very disapproving look he continued, "And please stop using Teresa as a bargaining chip. She's more than capable of pleading her own case with me and we've discussed this at length at home where it belongs. This-," he motioned with his hands indicating himself and Minelli, "-is between you and me. Let's leave it there. And now I would be infinitely grateful if you'd just came out and told me about those great plans you have for me."
Duly chastised Minelli nodded. He was sheepish when he started speaking again and regretted his failed attempt at blackmailing the other into blindly agreeing with his requests. He should've known Jane would never go for it, and putting that man into a defensive position never boded well for the one dealing with him. "I'm sorry, Patrick. I got carried away. And frankly, I don't want to lose you and I fear that you'll run the moment I tell you about our thoughts on the matter."
Jane sighed. "I promise I'll hear you out and I won't deny you outright without doing some serious thinking first. Is that enough to convince you to finally come out and just tell me?" he inquired with some agitation. "Do I really come across as that immature and unreasonable? Geez!"
The director looked even more sheepish now. "No, no. Please, Patrick. I didn't mean it that way. It's just, well. It's come to my attention that you're not very comfortable with all the changes occurring in your life at the moment and…"
Jane interrupted him with a very exasperated expression. "Let me guess: You've been talking with Hightower?"
The older man nodded. "Yes. And it's understandable, really. I mean, your life has practically been turned upside down again. A bit like a decade ago when all your priorities changed overnight. And I don't want to put anymore pressure on you, my boy. Still, a few things have to change and…"
Jane held up his hand and interrupted him again. "Stop right there, Minelli. I don't need your coddling. My current situation is nothing like it was ten years ago. Yes, I have a bit of a hard time adjusting to everything, but I'm not alone this time. And the changes are mostly positive. The thought of having the rest of my life suddenly in front of me without a psychopath looming in the shadows is still quite scary and daring at times. But I have so much to look forward to and the most stable influence is still very firmly in my life – more than ever before. So spare me the sympathy and treat me like a regular guy, because that's what I am."
Virgil raised his brow. "Well, that last part is very debatable." Jane cast him a very annoyed look. "Oh, come on. You, Mr. Jane, are never going to be regular, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. But I guess that's beside the point here and I get what you're trying to tell me."
The consultant signaled his agreement with a small nod and made an impatient movement with his hand asking the other man to go on and do it quickly. "Okay, so here it is. We've come up with a plan to enhance your abilities when it comes to regular-," he grinned pointedly, "-police procedures. If you agree, you'll be taught self-defense, hand-to-hand combat, tactical approach, first aid, and you'll get some weapons training as well."
He looked up from the top of his desk, where his eyes had been firmly fixed at because he hadn't dared to look Jane in the eyes during his announcement. The consultant stared at him in utter bewilderment. "You've got to be kidding me, Virgil. Tell me that you're having me on? I mean, your body language indicates otherwise, but surely this must be a joke. Any hidden cameras anywhere?"
"No joke, no cameras, Patrick. That's our proposal. You learn the law enforcement 101 and we'll promote you to honorable agent. That's the deal."
Jane giggled hysterically at that, still hoping against hope that Minelli was having him on. But when the other man stayed calm and didn't show any signs of merriment, he took several deep breaths and said, "You're serious about that. You're really serious." He shook his head. "What do you suggest? That I join the police academy in San Fran and let all those young recruits and drill instructors make mince meat out of poor old me? Geez, Virgil! I'm in my forties. I can't possibly keep up with a bunch of freaking jocks and I sure as hell don't intend to try. I've had enough humiliation in my life already. I don't need any more. If you think my ego needs a few bruises you can just outright say so instead of coming up with a scheme like that."
Minelli laughed heartily at that. "Patrick Jane at the police academy," he pressed out after some minutes of visible and audible amusement. "God! I'd love to see that! The poor instructors wouldn't know what hit them!"
He couldn't stop his laughter to the great annoyance of his opponent whose face turned darker and darker. "I'm glad I could provide so much entertainment, Director Minelli. But are you finished any time soon?" he asked impatiently.
The older man composed himself and wiped away the tears his intense laughing had produced. "Sorry, Patrick, but the image I suddenly had in my mind of you in tactical class with Officer O'Malley was just too hilarious. You don't know him of course, but believe me when I tell you that would've been a real culture clash."
He snickered some more and apologized for it again right afterwards. "Sorry. I'll try to stay focused now. No, Mr. Jane, those responsible at the CBI and my colleagues at the ministry have come up with another plan entirely. No one's forcing you to attend official classes. We do know how, ahm, well you do with seminars and stuff like that. No, in our infinite wisdom we've decided to make senior agent Cho your personal combat and self defense teacher. Agent Rigsby'll be responsible for your first aid instructions while agent Van Pelt will introduce you to the subtle art of tactical procedures. And our dear new special agent has agreed to accompany you to the shooting range in person. Very nice of her considering all her other obligations, don't you think?"
Jane eyed him with an incredulous expression on his face. "You want my teammates to train me? And you think that Cho won't make mince meat out of me? Have you LOOKED at the guy? You know he was a gang banger. Probably had guys like me for breakfast back in his days. I really don't want to get the crap beaten out of me by my friend. This is a bad idea." He shook his head.
Virgil sighed and prayed for patience. "Patrick, please. First of all: I know what you hide underneath those suits of yours. You're by no means as physically weak as you like to portray yourself as. Sorry, but your cover is truly blown. You might not know the necessary techniques yet, but you have the strength to hold your own in a fight. So don't play the pitiful underdog card with me. And anyway, teaching you doesn't mean beating you up but showing you how it's done correctly. You know as well as I do that Cho would never intentionally hurt you." He chuckled. "And he wouldn't dare either. Just imagine what Lisbon would do to him if he caused you any harm."
"Okay, so Cho won't right out kill me. But Virgil, I really and honestly don't like physical confrontations. I abhor them. Keeping in the background suits me just fine. Having training would make people expect me to participate in chases and such. I don't want that. It's not the part of crime solving I'm comfortable with."
"Don't worry, my friend. You're not supposed to suddenly act like a full blown agent and tackle perps. It's meant solely for self defense purposes and emergencies. It's actually been rather remiss of us not to insist on you at least learning the absolute basics before," Minelli reassured him.
"Mhm," Patrick uttered. Pensively he started speaking again,"I'm not completely without knowledge when it comes to first aid. I took some courses when I became a father. I wanted to be able to, you know, protect my daughter in case she got hurt… Didn't work particularly well as we all know, but at least I know my way around CPR, recovery positions and such now. I'm willing to learn more if you deem it necessary." He took a deep breath and went on, "And I've read several tactical handbooks including "The Art Of War", though that one's probably not up to date anymore. But I did 'burrow' Cho's issue of "CBI Procedures – A Tactical Guide" at some point when I was bored out of my mind and I know it by heart. I'm willing to discuss its contents with Grace or with the others, no problem." With an ominous smile he added, "And Lisbon's sacrifice might not be as big as you think it is when it comes to my shooting training. I hate guns, but I have to admit that I'm not entirely ignorant of the finer points of hitting targets. Supposedly I have quite the talent for it actually." He paused and eyed the director very seriously. "But I don't want to carry a weapon, Virgil. The only person I'd have ever wanted to use one against is dead."
"Again, it's only for emergencies, Patrick. You won't be carrying a weapon on a regular basis, but we'd all rest easier if you were licensed to carry one and could do so in special cases. Would you be amenable to that?"
"I'd have to think about it. At the moment I'd say no. I'm kind of alright with the rest – though I'm still a bit skeptical when it comes to Cho and that combat training – but I can't imagine myself ever shooting at someone again." He sighed deeply. "When I shot Timothy Carter it cost me dearly, Virgil. It was already traumatizing enough the first time around with Dumar Hardy, even though it was to save Lisbon. I might've been able to fool everybody into thinking that I couldn't care less, but it's not true. I'm not sure my sanity could deal with another incident like that," he explained with unusual honesty.
"Then I think, a bit of counseling should also be added to your schedule, Patrick. Believe me – dealing with killing someone is not easy for our trained agents either. There's a reason why counseling is mandatory for those involved in a shooting."
"No thanks. I've had all the counseling I'll ever need already and then some, thank you very much. As I said – I'm willing to think about it. If it ever meant saving Lisbon or one of my friends, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. But that's kind of what I'm afraid of. As long as I don't carry a weapon, I won't get into a situation where I have to contemplate using one. On the other hand I'd hate to watch helplessly while one of them got killed. Geez! This is difficult. Allow me to think it through and talk about it with Teresa."
"Of course. Take your time. That part isn't crucial for our deal. What about the rest?"
"I should probably take a trial lesson with Cho before I decide anything," he said with a grin. Turning serious again he asked, "And which team would I get assigned to anyway? Cho's? Do I get a say in that?" Jane inquired.
Minelli grinned smugly at that. "Well, now we're finally getting to the deciding factor I expect. I want to assign you directly to the supervising agent. You'll work closely with her and I'd guess mostly on the cases she deals with personally. Otherwise it'll also be her decision which cases you're working and I assume she'll grant you a say in the matter, wouldn't you agree?"
Jane's interest peeked up at his words and he sat up straighter. "You'd allow me to work in such close quarters with my girlfriend?" he asked, his face showing his astonishment openly for once.
Virgil nodded and smiled. "I'd say, you've proven your ability to cooperate quite admirably over the years. As you won't be a regular agent even after your promotion it's not strictly against the rules and-," he lowered his voice and cast a conspiratorial glance at the consultant, "-it's not official yet, but we're actually working on changing or rather loosening that particular rule at the moment. This whole Red John situation has led to the officials questioning and re-evaluating quite a few of our rules and regulations. The handbook isn't exactly up to date anymore and needs some revision."
"Wow!" Jane exclaimed. "That's really unexpected. Who'd thought that? Good old rules being changed. Amazing, really! And Madeleine'll be happy to hear that." He grinned thinking about her and her new boyfriend, though his face fell again remembering that the latter was going to be in charge of his physical defense training. "So, essentially you're telling me that Lisbon and I are gonna be a real package deal from now on and that it's up to her and me which cases I work. That sounds too good to be true, Virgil."
"But that's exactly what I'm offering you. I've got your new contract right here with me. Take it home with you. Read it thoroughly, discuss it with Lisbon. We want you to stay with us, Patrick. You and Teresa are the best assets the Bureau has. We would be fools not to use that to our advantage. You're a great team. And the past has shown that it's never a good idea to separate you two. So think it through in peace with all its implications. Call me, if you have any further questions. I'll need your answer by the end of the week."
Suffice it to say that Jane had accepted the contract which practically made him Lisbon's equal both in matters of income and power. Technically she was still his boss, but his special status blurred the lines enough so he could maintain the feeling of not being under her direct command.
As she'd been privy to Minelli's plans the whole time and had actually been part of the final draft of his new contract she was more than happy with the situation. She knew her partner well enough to understand his need to stay in control and not work under someone. Though the truth of the matter was that he did, his status allowed for some leeway and she was only too happy to grant it to him. The advantage of not being his real boss was that she couldn't be held responsible for his mischief any longer either. She'd made it very clear to him when discussing his new contract with him at home that his changed position would lead to him having to wipe up his own messes in the future and that she wasn't willing to bear the brunt for his shenanigans anymore.
He'd signaled that he was prepared to take full responsibility for his actions but couldn't promise not to bend, maybe even overstep the lines on occasion, because that was his way of closing cases and the very factor that set him apart from other investigators.
He'd said that without arrogance or hubris and that had made all the difference in her eyes. He was right after all. His thinking and acting outside the box was what made him the best detective she knew. Of course it was also his ability to see things others didn't, but what produced his real results were matters like his boldness when asking even celebrities indecent questions to unsettle them, which in turn enabled him to make his unique observations and draw his special conclusions. If they tamed him or forced him to change too much, he'd be just another agent. Still an exceptionally good one, but not the one cracking the really tough nuts. And ultimately it was that last part the CBI really needed him for.
What he however stayed adamant about was the whole matter of target practice and of carrying a weapon. It just wasn't something Patrick Jane was willing to do. Period. Both Lisbon and Minelli had accepted his decision without much protest. In reality Lisbon was rather proud of her lover for staying true to himself and besides she quite liked to be the one with the firepower in their partnership if she was really honest. She had still grumbled when he had had the audacity to point out that very fact to her with a smirk...
TBC
Professional future all planned out now... One more chapter to go and then you'll get the real epilog...
