Chapter 17: Questions
Abbot and Fischer
Dennis Abbott got to work early on Tuesday. He had to finish the report on the Schneiderman case before leaving for Philadelphia to resume work on Blake. But a meeting he had to have this morning weighed most heavily. It's more than inexperience or disappointment. What am I missing? I've run through the likely explanations. Time to consider the improbable, no matter how ugly.
He looked up at the knock on his door and waved in the agent.
"You wanted to meet, sir?"
"Yes, I do. Fischer, brief me on what happened in New York as you saw it."
She perched on the edge of the chair, uneasy but resolute. "After our flight got in, Agent Raichel and Jane went to Schneiderman's building so Jane could check out some theory."
Neutral words. Not tone.
"Lisbon and I went to the FBI office. I needed to be briefed on the suspected extremist groups. Lisbon wanted more information from local LEO's about Ascencio and Nguyen."
"Did she get it?"
Fischer shrugged diffidently. "She didn't get too far with the local LEO's on either man."
Abbott's gazed unblinkingly at her. After a moment, "I'm surprised the FBI doesn't have more pull with local law enforcement."
"They didn't get involved."
"Because?"
"The SA was busy with his other operation. Didn't want to bother."
"Even after you pushed him for help with Lisbon's request?"
"Oh. –I didn't talk with him about it."
Abbott leaned back and the silence stretched over a minute. "You were the liaison. But you didn't push to get the locals to help," he stated flatly. When Fischer didn't elaborate, he moved on. "Cho wanted a BOLO put out for Nguyen, alias Tran. Did he ask you to arrange that?"
"Well, yes. I hadn't gotten to it when Agent Raichel had it put out."
"And that was how long after Senior Agent Cho's request?"
She swallowed convulsively. "A half hour."
"A half hour when it would take, oh, a minute to have the administrative staff effect the order. –But you did put a BOLO on Jane?"
"Yes. After he disappeared. His agreement is clear about the terms of service–"
Abbott's voice rumbled quietly, dangerously. "-I'm familiar–"
Over-wrought, she heedlessly plunged on, "And the agreement doesn't absolve him of three - probably more – murders."
"Which is why you included the 'armed and dangerous' advisory?"
"Yes!" Relief showed in her eyes.
Abbott didn't say anything for 30 seconds. "Every one of your judgment calls was wrong. Agent Lisbon was right about Nguyen. Senior Agent Cho's BOLO apprehended the perp and led to Schneiderman's rescue. Had Nguyen gotten out of the country and Schneiderman died, the Federal Reserve wouldn't know if the system was breeched. We could have been blackmailed for months. And Jane had been abducted and left to die from exposure."
Fischer's face was frozen in a neutral mask.
Abbott leaned forward, hands loosely clasped and forearms resting on his desk. Voice soft, "Your dad and I go way back, Kim. But I can't give you a pass any more. You endangered the mission. You assumed the worst about someone on our team. I cannot square this Kim Fischer with the agent I know you to be."
She licked her lips nervously, gaze dropping to a suddenly fascinating patch of carpet.
"I am trying to understand. You were enthusiastic about going undercover on the island. Eager to get that hundred percent close asset working for us. Ever since his detention, you've had a chip on your shoulder, not just about Jane but Cho and Lisbon, too.' He frowned, perplexed. "What changed?"
When he got no response, Abbott took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Kimmie, face me, please." She looked up. Softly, "I have to ask. Did Jane do something – attack you ... rape you?"
She paled, expression ashamed, mortified.
Oh my God. Let it not be so!
Fischer finally whispered, "No."
A wave of relief and confusion rolled through Abbott, "What did happen?"
Hesitantly, "I – I told Dad about Jane, about how I thought he could solve cases. He used his contacts to get the true picture. We know Jane killed. Several. And before his family's murder, he bilked vulnerable people out of millions. At the CBI he broke the law, sometimes set people up to get killed. Jane could be part of Blake. –Dad helped me see him for what he is. And if Lisbon and Cho were with him a decade, they've got to be part of it too."
Abbott drew a deep draught of air and released an equally great sigh. He stood. "C'mon. Let's both get some coffee. Then we'll talk about where we go from here."
They returned several minutes later, coffee in hand. The tension was lower, though by Fischer's expression the uncertainty was torture.
Calmly, "Agent Fischer, I am not enthusiastic about having Jane work for the FBI. I don't have the luxury of choice. Initially I shared your suspicions about Jane, Lisbon and Cho. After looking into their background for almost two years, I know Cho isn't Blake. And, by God, I don't think Lisbon or Jane are either. Cho's team solved the Schneiderman case and they're doing good work on other cases. Regardless of my personal preferences, I will use those assets to benefit the FBI and our nation every way I can."
Quietly, "I respectfully disagree."
"And that is your prerogative. It is not your prerogative to disobey orders. I am removing all discretionary judgment on your part regarding Cho and his team. If I am forced to have you work a case with them, you will either follow reasonable requests, or refer the matter to me. Immediately. Am I clear?"
Shaken, "Yes."
"Kim, you stumbled, but you have the potential to be a fine agent. It's in everyone's best interest for you to interact as little as possible with that team. Think what you want, but you will treat them professionally like anyone else in the FBI. –Any questions?"
"No, sir."
"We leave for Philly this afternoon to work on Blake. Dismissed."
Jane and Lisbon, The FBI
"... got rid of those ratty island clothes," Lisbon was saying as Jane held the door for her.
"They were comfortable. Everyone dressed like that," he objected half-heartedly.
"Yeah, well–"
"–Morning Agent Lisbon, Mr. Jane." It was the first time the security guard had greeted them. Jane nodded his acknowledgment.
"Good morning," Lisbon responded, surprised. She looked back over her shoulder, trying to remember if she'd had any positive interaction with that guard before. Then resuming her train of thought, "–News flash, Jane. This isn't Venezuela, or the beach. I, for one, prefer the classic Patrick Jane."
He grinned, and raised his eyebrows. "'Classic,' huh? Like the sound of that."
"Oh, please. It's just a phrase." They were ten feet away when the elevator doors started to close on the mostly full car. An agent – Jenkins? – put his hand out and held the doors. They hurried and stepped in.
"Thanks," Lisbon said. Jane just smiled.
They stepped off the elevator. They had woken late meaning Lisbon hadn't had time to make coffee or buy a cup on the way. She scowled thinking about the delay between when she would start coffee brewing and when she could be drinking her first, precious cup of liquid energy. Jane went on to the bullpen, knowing Lisbon would also put water on for his tea. His smile widened. A two-drawer filing cabinet had appeared next to his couch. It was just the right height to serve as a side table. A moment later Lisbon appeared with both coffee and tea.
"That was fast."
"Someone already made coffee. Even had water boiling for tea."
Jane took the cup and saucer and nudged Lisbon with his shoulder. She turned, then flushed as she realized everyone on the floor was looking at them. They nodded to Lisbon and Jane and then returned to their work.
"My dear," Jane said softly, "we've just been accepted into the fold," enjoying Lisbon's tiny smile of appreciation.
"Solved the case. Made Austin look good," agreed Cho who had quietly walked up behind them.
"And saved the nation from financial chaos," Jane added melodramatically. "I think that deserves a nap."
"Jane, Lisbon. Any objection to bringing Wylie aboard?"
"–Good choice," Lisbon smiled.
"-Nope." Jane set his tea on the filing cabinet and gingerly arranged himself on the couch, mindful of the bruises he'd reaped in Brooklyn.
Wylie and Cho
Feeling eyes upon him Cho looked up to find Wylie standing patiently next to his desk.
"Stop that."
"Sir?"
"That too. –Wylie, don't just stand there, say something when you come up."
"Yes, sir."
Cho glowered at him, then relaxed. "I asked you to come over to talk about the analyst position."
"Yes, sir. Uh, I appreciated the chance to interview and, well, I hope I can occasionally do work for you. I mean, the Schneiderman case was fu– interesting and all," he rambled on nervously.
"Wylie, stop!" With silence and order restored, Cho looked sternly at him and said, "Better be more than 'occasional.' My team delivers all the time."
"Yes, Si– wait! You mean I'm going – you're hiring – I'm on–"
Cho took pity. "Tech position is yours if you want it."
"Yes, sir – Cho. I'm–"
"You're babbling. Get your stuff. Take that desk," Cho pointed to one in front of Lisbon. "You'll get a raise, too."
Wylie grinned, managed a 'thank you' and left to move his things from the analyst pool downstairs. Eyes still closed, Jane smirked and said, "Now if you can just get him to stop vibrating in place..."
"Be nice, Jane. He saved your ass."
Jane yawned, "As expected," and turned to face the couch back, the better to sleep. They caught a case later that morning.
Cho's Team, San Antonio
It was an hour drive to the San Antonio crime scene. Cho, Lisbon and Jane put it to good use.
"Time to start work on Blake," Jane announced, riding shotgun next to Cho.
"What do you have in mind, Jane?" Lisbon asked from the rear seat. Cho enjoyed the perk of driving. Jane fussed about his long legs cramping when he was stuck in the back until Lisbon let him claim the passenger seat. She really didn't mind, rather enjoying all physical aspects of Jane these days.
"We've settled in and the Bureau is getting used to us," he said, grinning smugly as he recalled predicting the FBI would adapt to him.
Cho read that thought and gave him a dirty look. "Don't flatter yourself. It's because we solved Schneiderman."
Even more smug, "Precisely!" Cho snorted. "As I was saying, work has settled down and we've reminded them how valuable we are. Time to test Abbott."
"Verify he's not part of Blake," clarified Lisbon.
"How?" asked Cho.
"Set a trap. Before McAllister - died, I figured out a member of Blake's upper echelons. One Abbott hasn't found yet, according to his list of Blake members." Cho and Lisbon looked at him waiting for him to continue. "It's Judge Davenport in Sacramento." They both recalled the easy-going judge who, confusingly enough, never seemed happy with the SCU's cases.
"You're absolutely sure?" Lisbon pressed, always concerned without tangible evidence.
"Don't be insulting."
Cho sighed and tuned out. Forgot about the bickering. All that's missing is Rigsby with his tapeworm and endless mooning over Grace. My life would be complete. "So?" he wrenched them back on topic.
"We accidentally drop the name and Blake connection. See what Abbott does. Simple. Then decrypt Bertram's thumb drive."
Lisbon rolled her eyes. I'll believe 'simple' when it works.
The San Antonio case wrapped up quickly when Jane observed that it had to be an accidental death unless the murderer was shorter than four feet. Blindingly obvious once he pointed it out, no one but Jane had seen it. On Wednesday the ME's autopsy confirmed Jane's conclusion, ending the case. Lisbon and Cho wrote it up and caught up on paperwork while Jane caught up on sleep.
Jane was at loose ends most of Thursday, meaning Cho, Lisbon and Wylie were constantly interrupted. Even though Wylie's assortment of neat oddities on his desk – not to mention the biggest oddity of all, Wylie himself – occupied Jane for awhile, Cho was reaching the end of his rope by mid-afternoon. When Jane ambled over to start his second round of pestering, Cho welcomed Jane's offhanded suggestion.
"Comp time for working the weekend?" Jane floated the idea leaning over Cho's desk.
Lisbon turned in her seat. "Since when does law-enforcement work a 40-hour week, much less get comp time?"
Cho was more direct, "Who are you?"
Sunnily, "Never too late for a good idea."
Annoyed, "Fine. All of you have tomorrow off. Start now."
Jane grinned and turned to Lisbon. "I believe boss man said we can leave."
Cho growled. "You - go! Optional for them."
Jane mock saluted and shepherded Lisbon out the door. The last Cho heard was "I haven't been to a carnival in years. How about we go tomorr..."
Lisbon and Jane, Houston
Lisbon stifled a yawn, wondering how Jane had talked her into getting up early on a day off to drive two hours to a carnival in Houston. She glanced at Jane. He's really happy we're going. And it has been a decade since I took Annabeth when she was little. Well what the hell? Join the FBI and live a little. If anyone can be fun at a carnival, Jane's it.
"Huh? What did you say?" she asked, belatedly registering his query. She looked over, meeting that piercing gaze that used to make her uncomfortable.
He nibbled his bottom lip. "You've been hiding something since New York. What about all that honesty and openness we're supposed to practice?"
"What makes you think–"
He rolled his eyes, "Please, Lisbon. Skip the ineffectual denial and tell me."
She grimaced then gave in. Why do I bother anymore? She wasn't eager to open that can of worms, knowing it might suck the enjoyment from their outing. But having no choice, she said, "Fischer was supposed to be liaison with the New York FBI. She didn't lift a finger to help."
"What else?"
"She wouldn't issue a BOLO on Tran when Cho asked, but had time to put one out on you." Hope that's enough so he'll drop it.
"Okay." He tilted his head as her micro-expressions indicated there was more to be explored. "There's something more about me. What?"
Lisbon sighed. "She wasn't just trying to find you. It included the 'armed and dangerous' advisory. You could have been shot-"
"Only if I ran," he emphasized. Jane turned the new bit of information over in his head, then smiled a few moments later as the new factoid fit nicely into a theory he was building about Fischer.
Glancing at him, "You think it means something – beyond not liking you."
He tipped his head diffidently. "Maybe." Lisbon knew she wouldn't get more out of him but decided to let it slide since this could help with her question.
Fifteen minutes later they stopped for coffee and soda. –Jane preferred the caffeinated, sugary stuff to bad tea when they were traveling. Jane was pleased when Lisbon agreed to let him drive. He was surprised because it was her personal SUV, but he attributed it to the outing. She enjoyed these bits of normal life almost as much as he did. On the road again, he settled into the driver's seat, content to look forward to a pleasant day with the woman he loved.
"What's special about Fischer?"
He was startled from his thoughts. "Oh, she's a female in a male-dominated profession. She–"
"Cut the crap. Why does she bother you so much?"
"Who says she does?"
Lisbon grinned and said, "What about all that honesty and openness we're s'posed to practice?"
He made a face. Nailed with my own words. "To what do you refer? Precisely?"
Lisbon sobered. "You shuddered when Fisher walked into the bullpen last week. There's something about her that really bothers you. What's going on?"
He shifted uncomfortably. "Well, she let a drug dealer's thugs beat me up in Venezuela, after we had dinner and danced. ... Lied." He glanced at Lisbon, but that was clearly not enough. "Was pretty much a bitch about the terms of detention. Of course she bothers me."
Lisbon mentally rolled those thoughts around for a moment, then looked searchingly at Jane. "You didn't like any of that. But that's not all, not enough." Quietly, "What else, Jane?"
He sighed and slumped in the driver's seat, his buoyant mood evaporating. Eyes on the ribbon of highway ahead, he muttered, "It's a long story."
"We have time. Let me help."
He looked over and couldn't resist the deep pools of green eyes or the sympathetic expression. We're going to be in the FBI awhile. Lisbon needs to know what we're dealing with. Neutrally, "Carnivals are the definition of nomadic. People float in, travel with the show awhile, leave. And not everyone who attends is interested in the ... formal attractions."
"Go on," she said encouragingly. Talking in riddles. I should be picking up on something, but what?
"When I was a kid, I attracted attention for more than the Boy Wonder act."
Cautiously, "Like what?"
He suddenly reached for his soda and took a sip, eyes not leaving the road, intentionally avoiding her eyes. He puffed out his cheeks as he exhaled. "Like pedophiles. Men, mostly."
She swallowed, suddenly nauseous. "Um, you–"
He hurried to reassure her. "No, thank god. Pete caught guys more than once who showed a little too much interest. Beat the crap out of them and kicked them out." Then, coldly, "My father also kept them away."
He must have looked like an angel as a kid. Pretty angelic now... She muttered, "At least he did something good."
Jane barked a laugh filled with pain. "He was protecting his meal ticket. Was afraid I'd be too messed up to perform if someone got to me."
Lisbon carefully kept pity out of her expression. Almost afraid to ask, "And how does that connect to the present?"
"Nothing terrible, Lisbon. I – I told you so you'd understand. Why I hate being vulnerable. Exploited. Why I swore I'd protect people I care about. And myself."
Lisbon's memory served up images and moments. Jane promising he'd always save her. His devastation at failing his family, at – in his eyes – causing their murders. Insisting she trust him. Helping Rigsby avenge his father. And Cho with his friend's murder. Hesitantly, "And you were vulnerable in that detention cell. No oversight, no one to rein her in."
"Yeah. Uh, you know most of how it was." He rolled his shoulders to relieve the tension. "A couple times after I was drugged my clothes were messed up." He rushed on before Lisbon could say anything. "Just my shirt. But, even that makes my skin crawl."
Lisbon gathered the courage to say it aloud. "You think Fischer tried to seduce you while you were drugged?"
Almost too soft to hear, "Yeah."
Quietly furious, "That's assault. Worse because she couldn't even pretend you consented. We–" She flashed back to Fischer's comment when Raichel called to say Jane was missing. Makes sense now. Warped, abusive bitch.
Jane put his fingers lightly over her lips. "Shhh. It's in the past now."
Lisbon clamped down on her outrage. What will help Jane? How does he want to handle it? More calmly, "What do you want to do?" She rubbed his shoulder comfortingly.
"Nothing."
A deep breath helped hold her temper. Tersely, "Why?"
"There's more to this than a twisted agent. I don't want to interact with her. But I want to watch her until I know how she fits in." He shrugged. "If she fits at all."
"How should I act? Shouldn't we tell Cho?"
He shook his head. "Just act normal. We'll tell Cho if I find there's more to it."
Conscience suddenly getting to her. "But if she's abusive, she shouldn't be–"
He interrupted, "-I think it's specific to me. Teresa, I don't think she's going to abuse anyone."
"Else," Lisbon added under her breath.
They rode in silence till they reached Houston. By then their mood had lightened again, cheered by the bright sunny day and prospect of fun.
"Hey," Jane chirped when they reached the city limits, "let's eat before the carnival. Better food, better prices."
"Don't fancy those 20 dollar hotdogs, huh?"
"Only when I'm getting the money."
They found a chain restaurant they both liked and stopped for an early lunch. Not being a morning person, Lisbon had only grabbed a piece of fruit when they left in lieu of breakfast.
Waiting for their food, Lisbon mused, "I always thought carnivals were pretty much over by October."
"Up north it's too cold by late October. Houston's temps are in the 80's during the day and mid-50's at night. Perfectly fine for the carnival to have its southern leg this time of year."
Lisbon idly perused the dessert menu, until something snagged her attention. "Wait. Jane, you said the carnival."
"So?"
"Not 'a' carnival, or 'some' carnivals, but 'the' carnival." She looked at him with narrowed eyes. "This isn't just some random one, it's yours, isn't it?"
He cleared his throat. "And if it is?"
"Stop answering questions with a question! That's why you wanted to come today, isn't it?"
He looked equal measures guilty and mischievous. "Yeah, I have ulterior motives."
"Will Sam and Pete be here?"
"Yes."
She leaned back, examining him closely. "And you'll get–"
He talked over her, "Yeah, but nothing worth mentioning," with a meaningful glance thrown in.
Lisbon gave a slight nod. "Okay. Um, I need to call Cho."
"Cho?" he said, slightly alarmed. "Why?"
Voice lowered. "This is part of that keeping everyone informed, remember? As I recall, you may still be a target. And we're here to take that first step we talked about, right?" She avoided saying anything that would be damaging if overheard by – by whomever.
The Carnival
Lisbon had a great time at the carnival. The carnival was a deluxe Ruskin operation, complete with numerous scary rides as well as the iconic games and shows and food. It turned out she and Jane both loved coasters and rode them till they sported new bruises from hairpin turns and near-vertical drops. Jane bet her he would win a prize at every game in the place, including the air rifles. She thought she'd be the better shot but only managed a tie. Jane was at the elephant enclosure at 5 p.m. and was met by Pete. Jane palmed the small object Pete 'forgot' on the railing. He would have liked to visit, but this wasn't a social occasion after all.
They left the carnival at 8 p.m., mindful of the two hour ride home. Before starting the drive, they sat and talked in the twilight while sitting on a bench. Jane showed her the thumb drive he'd gotten from Pete. Lisbon thought it looked different from what she remembered. She was right. At Jane's request, Pete duplicated it at a copy shop. Jane got the copy. Pete would deliver the original to Van Pelt in two weeks when they got to California for winter layover.
Corruption. Secrecy. Danger. Like old times, Lisbon thought. She looked at the handsome, relaxed man at her side. With Jane, we can do anything. McAllister started it but, by God, we'll finish it. Lisbon felt the old surge of adrenaline and excitement. She was working important cases with Jane. Doesn't get better than this.
They got home before midnight. Even though they were tired after the long day, after a shower there was still time enough for love.