Chapter 35: Getting Reacquainted

Sacramento, Saturday

Saturday was the first lazy, unstructured day they'd had in ... forever. Lisbon lay awake, thoughts drifting as Jane slept soundly beside her. With a shock she realized it had been non-stop stress and striving since Jane returned to the US. The detention debacle. Settling into work at the FBI. The attack on Abbott and their stint as fugitives. Stiles. Then months of feverish work building cases against Blake leaders, capped by Tuesday's massive operation. By nine she was restless. Lisbon propped herself on her right elbow and toyed with an errant curl, musing that she could no more control it than she could its owner.

Jane yawned and cracked one eye open. "Have a heart, woman. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is still pretty damn sore."

She responded with a kiss. "We're gonna waste the whole free day if you don't get a move on, sleeping beauty."

He stretched and blinked, waking more fully. "Have anything in mind?"

"Not really. Don't want to spend it inside a hotel room though."

"I'd kind of like to bum around the city. Favorite haunts and all that."

Lisbon and Jane started with Marie's, where Lisbon delightedly confirmed the bear claws and gourmet coffee were every bit as good as she remembered. Even sweeter, the owner and one long-time server greeted them like long lost family. They walked the manicured capitol grounds amid a persistent feeling of deja vu. Next was Lisbon's church. Her favorite priest warmly welcomed her back if only for a visit. His carefully controlled reaction when Lisbon introduced them confirmed Jane's suspicion the priest knew far more about him than he liked. The priest eyed Jane curiously, but tactfully accepted Lisbon's disinclination to say much, making a point of welcoming both whenever they were in Sacramento. Lunch time found them at a favorite diner of Jane's.

"Spill, Jane."

He looked over, jarred out of his thoughts. "What?"

"You've been restless for the past hour. What's on your mind?"

"Nothing important."

"Yes important if it's bugging you that much."

After a sip of tea, he scratched his head and fessed up. "I know we spent all yesterday at Malibu and the cemetery..."

"Y-e-s?"

"Would you mind terribly if we stopped at – at the storage locker?"

She opened her mouth lost at first, then caught on and nodded. "Of course. –Together?" He shrugged diffidently, but she could see the need for company – her company – in his eyes. Softly, "If you wish, I'm honored."

They spent the next two hours poking through the detritus of Jane's former life as husband and father. Old fashioned photo albums (she realized he was no more enamored of technology back then than he was now). Charlotte's drawings. Keepsakes from Angela. Hand-made father's day and birthday cards. Lisbon wasn't embarrassed at tearing up only because Jane was too lost in memories to notice. He finally put the last of odds and ends from Charlotte back in a box and closed the lid.

Taking a deep breath, "I guess that's enough time spent on memory lane. This must be depressing for you. Sorry."

Lisbon paused, turned, and stopped him with a touch. Gravely, "Don't ever apologize for remembering your family, for being sad. Your devotion to them was when I realized how much more you are than a con man, Jane."

Embarrassed in turn, "Hmmh. If you say so," he mumbled and continued walking.

Lisbon and Jane toured a favorite park, walked along the river, stopped for ice cream. The only place they didn't stop was the old CBI building, now closed and padlocked, awaiting its final fate. They at last came to O'Malley's.

Swirling her soda, "Jane, why've you been looking at me all afternoon?"

Quick smile, "I have? Must be because you're my favorite sight."

"Cut the crap," she said affectionately. "I know when Patrick Jane is reading me. What's up?"

"This openness stuff will be the ruin of me," he grumbled. "Just want your real reactions."

"Couldn't ask?"

"Nope. You, my dear, are famous for doing what you think is best for others. I want real reactions, not what you think is best for me."

"And you learned?"

"That you're fond of Sacramento, like it here despite the disappointments."

"Whaddaya know? Think I said that several days ago."

Cheeky grin, "Happy to confirm it."

The evening ended with O'Malley's famous burger and fries platter which had no redeeming virtue other than tasting great.

The Rigsby's, Sacramento, Sunday

Van Pelt answered the door and Lisbon and Jane crowded in out of the rain. Cho was already on the couch watching the game amid stacks of boxes; Rigsby, in the kitchen with Taylor. Van Pelt's happy squeal attracted Rigsby and both glommed onto Jane. Jane yelped at the bear hug from Grace and solid thump from Wayne, more in anticipation than actual pain. Lisbon stood back from the crush and Cho came over to stand behind her.

They let go as though burnt. "S-sorry," Wayne stuttered. Grace stepped back, hand over her mouth in dismay.

Cho explained, "Suspect got loose. Took it out on Jane."

Mouth open to comment, Jane instead dropped to a squat when Ben charged toward him and tripped on the way. Jane scooped him up.

Rigsby grinned, "Wise move, man. That bowling ball head can do real damage!" and reaped a disapproving look from his wife.

"Perp already did."

"I know you! I know you! You're Jan!" Ben burbled excitedly, recognizing him from photos and not the least bit shy.

"–Jane, but you can call me 'Patrick,'" he corrected. "A-n-d, you must be Taylor?"

Ben frowned in outrage. "Naw, that's the baby!" - the ultimate insult. "I'm Ben, her big brother."

"Nice to meet you, Ben." Jane smiled widely and turned to the adults.

Grace approached to relieve him of Ben, but Jane waved her off. She said instead, "Gosh, Jane. I didn't know–"

"It's fine."

Wayne boomed, something between a grin and grimace on his face, "Landed a good one?" Cho's lips quirked.

"Right in the plums," Jane answered absently. Lisbon and Van Pelt looked at the men like they'd lost their minds. Jane tried to lower a squirming Ben without dropping him. Lisbon stepped over and held her arms out.

"Huh? –Who says that?" Rigsby asked.

"Aussies. Brits maybe," he replied, handing Ben to Lisbon.

"Hey, how's my favorite little man?" Lisbon asked, hugging Ben then letting him slide down to stand on his own feet.

"Aunt Reesa! Guess what, I got–" Ben said even louder over the hubbub.

Taylor started crying at being ignored in her highchair in the kitchen.

Hands over her ears, Van Pelt raised her voice over the cacophony, "Quiet!" Silence descended except for tv football and Taylor's crying. "Wayne, go check on Taylor. Ben, you may show Aunt Teresa your school project. Quietly! Adults, pipe down." Then she looked abashed at ordering peers and former boss around like a drill sergeant.

Everyone grinned. Jane murmured, "Knew you had it in you, Grace. A little bit of nice, a little bit of–" but was interrupted by Rigsby offering to hang up his damp suit jacket. Talking resumed at a less deafening level.

Van Pelt raised her arm for attention. "Everyone, we just moved two days ago so dinner's gonna be take out. Fifteen minutes till delivery. Anyone want the two-bit tour while we wait?"

The group trooped through the house dodging boxes everywhere. The house was one of Sacramento's graceful turn-of-the century creations. It had been thoroughly renovated with all the modern conveniences without losing its charm and authenticity. Rigsby explained that proximity to the CIB and the spacious lot were what finally sold them on it.

"I thought these cost an arm and a leg after being rehabbed," commented Lisbon, impressed.

"This was an estate sale, heirs eager to sell. A-n-d, no matter how pricy Sacramento is, Frisco is worse. We got enough for that house to make this affordable."

Jane commented as he ran his fingers over the intricately carved, silk-smooth fireplace mantle, "Glad that worked out. Can't have been easy after hiding out in Iowa for months."

Rigsby grimaced. "Yeah, killed our business." Cheering, "But things are working out what with Hightower offering us both great jobs."

Cho commented, "Hightower got scared. One team leader was Blake and she was about to hire another."

Lisbon asked, "You're comfortable working for her?"

Rigsby responded thoughtfully, "She's changed. Still tough, still politically savvy, but she's mellowed." He ignored Lisbon's murmured, "Being stalked by a serial killer can do that to you," and continued. "Less ball-busting – sorry – for its own sake. Allows co-worker relationships so long as it doesn't affect work. Instituting modern methods, equipment. She's just – different." With a deep breath, "And maybe we are, too," he said exchanging a small smile with his wife. "Yeah, we think it'll be fine."

They eventually made their way back to the kitchen. Being closest to the door, Jane answered and paid the delivery boys who arrived simultaneously.

"Jane, you don't have to–" started Van Pelt.

"You're hosting. Least I can do." Amused grin, "–Pizza and Thai?"

"After this week I'm too tired to argue. They can have the grease and meat," she said, nodding toward Rigsby and Cho. "I get what I want." She and Rigsby started gathering paper plates, plastic cups, and plastic-ware till Rigsby left to tend a fussing Taylor. Lisbon stepped in to help.

"Like your hair," Van Pelt commented on Lisbon's wavy 3"-long, dark halo. "Austin heat? Or, Jane, or–"

Her former boss laughed, "Disguise when we were fugitives. Jane cut it on our way to Jason Cooper in South Dakota."

"Oh. What's the scoop on Blake?"

"While we eat. Food's getting cold."

They settled down to the makeshift meal. It was the first time they were together since they strong-armed Abbott to free Jane on the day McAllister died.

"So how'd you end up back in the US with the FBI of all places?" Rigsby asked, talking over Taylor whose highchair was between him and Jane. He and Van Pelt knew the basic story, but he wanted to hear it from Jane.

Looking up from playing with Taylor, "Abbott – Wylie, really – found me in Venezuela. Could've wanted me for sheer charm and brilliance," he grinned, "but it was really a Blake move to get Bertram's drive."

Van Pelt, "But Abbott wasn't – isn't Blake himself, right?"

"Right," Jane nodded. "Abbott sent Fischer to sound me out–"

Motioning with his pizza slice, "Cho's boss – former boss?"

"Yeah. Screamed cop a mile away, but it was amusing. Told Abbott my terms, which he said he could live with."

Van Pelt asked, "So what went wrong when you got here?"

"He lied. Or was over-ruled. Then with Abbott out of town working Blake, Fischer was left to her own devices managing my detention."

She frowned, "From what Lisbon said, Fischer was way out of line. –Isolation, drugging, um–"

Jane waved his hand not wanting to get into details. "Yeah, in over her head. Interestingly, Fischer's father was Blake and used her." Van Pelt winced at the thought.

Lisbon picked up the story. "That wasn't the worst. Fischer's dad and his Blake partner were sent to kill Abbott. Almost succeeded. Fischer was shot by the partner."

Van Pelt looked nauseated at the enormity of such a betrayal.

Jane continued, "Fortunately, Abbott survived," he glanced at Rigsby, "thanks to your foiling the follow-up attack. Would have been much harder if a new SA had to step in. Kim Fischer has recovered."

"At least physically," added Lisbon.

"And the father?"

"His partner pretended to be his lawyer. Killed him in lock-up."

"I am so over massive conspiracies," blurted Van Pelt.

Soothingly, "We all are. Blake is over."

Hesitantly, Rigsby offered, "Jane, I didn't want to believe Blake was still out there, still dangerous. I hated getting dragged back into it all, but thanks for taking it on."

"Sure." Jane quickly looked away and tucked into his food. Cho filled in the rest.

"Jane struck a deal with Stiles. Stiles, Cooper and Visualize got immunity in return for a list of Blake leaders." Anticipating their question, "Blake leaders infiltrated Visualize to replace the Blake members the FBI rounded up. Why they got into dealing drugs and weapons with terrorists."

Rigsby whistled. "One helluva mess. So Stiles gets rid of Blake and a clean slate."

"Yes."

Van Pelt frowned, "How did Blake get into Visualize? I mean, I know Red John – sorry, Jane –" Jane waved it off. "I know there was some connection between Stiles and him, but–"

Cho again, "Haffner."

In unison, "–Haffner?" "–Ray Haf–"

"Yeah. Stiles protégé. McAllister turned him. Haffner framed Cooper for embezzlement and took over when Stiles was sick. Turned up dead last week."

Rigsby, "Stiles?"

Lisbon answered, "Probably. Jane thinks he'll never be nailed for it."

Van Pelt, "Is the FBI going after Stiles for Haffner?"

"Don't know, don't care. We're out of it."

Rigsby slowly, seriously asked, "You're certain Blake is over?" He looked from Cho to Jane to Lisbon.

The three nodded. Jane said, "There may be a few still out there. But last week's operation destroyed the network. We – all of us – are safe. Free."

A thought struck Van Pelt, "You said Blake was behind your return. –Did you get whoever engineered that?"

Jane rubbed his chin. "In the works." At her frown, "Stiles still owes me that name."

Rigsby, skeptical. "Now that he's got immunity, think he'll deliver?"

Jane nodded. "Let's just say we respect each other."

The only sound was eating for several moments.

Van Pelt spoke first. "Cho, did you see your mom? She's recovering really well."

"Yeah. Before I got here."

"Doctors say she can be discharged Tuesday. There'll be follow-up physical therapy, but it's really encouraging." Cho looked anything but encouraged. Van Pelt put her hand on his shoulder. "Cho, really. Wayne and I will do whatever's needed. Wayne rearranged her furniture so it'll be safe for a walker and when she's using a cane. I've got a home health aid scheduled for the day till we're off work. And your cousin Min will cover the evenings."

Jane piped up, "Min? Never heard that name before."

"Min-Ji, from Korea. On my mom's side."

Van Pelt added, "I met her visiting your mom. She's a junior at Berkeley and only 17. Math major. Quiet, prickly, and really sharp. She only warmed up when we started talking computers."

Lisbon reacted, "Sounds smart and ambitious."

"My mom helped her come to school here. My uncle's old fashioned. Rigid. Only let her come when Mom intervened."

Rigsby said quietly, "Cho, we got this. You don't have to leave the FBI."

Cho sipped his beer before responding. "Hightower thinks Abbott will help me get a transfer. If nothing happens in a month, she'll hire me."

"Your mom should be almost back to normal by then. Are you sure–"

"-Yes. My father's dead. I'm the oldest in my generation. I need to be around more, not just for my mom but the whole family."

Rigsby shrugged. "Hope it works out with the FBI." Then he frowned, "Hey, what gives? The FBI loses control of a prisoner who beats up Jane?" With an edge, "You guys are s'posed to be the cream of the crop!"

Lisbon commented acidly, "Abbott wants to get every last Blake member. Driving his team too hard invites stupid mistakes."

Cho added, "He backed off after Jane was attacked."

Van Pelt shook her head. Scathingly, "Do tell. The perfect G-man makes mistakes. How 'bout that."

"Abbott's okay. Not as good as Lisbon."

Lisbon coughed when her drink went down the wrong way. Jane gently patted her back. "Accept the compliment. You know Cho's given to flattery." Rigsby snorted and Van Pelt chuckled. Only the twinkle in his eye betrayed Cho's teasing but honest intent.

Van Pelt changed the subject, "What about you guys? Cho says you're planning to get out of the FBI deal?"

Lisbon looked to Jane to answer. "Now that we finished Blake, I'm ... less enthusiastic about Austin and the FBI. The FBI isn't everything Teresa hoped it would be. So, y-e-a-h, I have some ideas for changing things up."

Curious, Van Pelt turned to Lisbon, "Really? Don't like the FBI?"

She sighed. Grudgingly, "Abbott's o-kay. I don't like the case work as much as I thought I would. It's–" she frowned, searching for the right way to explain, "–it's impersonal. Big cases, big operations. But not as much satisfaction in getting justice for individuals, I guess."

Rigsby. "If not the FBI, then what?"

"Don't know. Jane and I are still working on that. All we know–" she glanced at her partner, "is that we want to get back to California. Sacramento, preferably."

Van Pelt, enthusiastically, "That'd be great. –But not the CIB? You know Hightower'd hire you in a heartbeat."

Lisbon shook her head. "Don't think so. Still feel a little burned after the whole CBI mess. Maybe do something else for awhile."

Finished eating, Cho and Rigsby resumed watching the football game. Lisbon didn't follow those teams and lingered in the kitchen talking to Van Pelt. Van Pelt eagerly discussed the CIB position she'd start in a week. She would have a hand not only in investigating computer crimes, but in shaping the IT resources for the whole CIB. Lisbon was able to share her experience and perspectives on leadership, something possible now that the boss-subordinate barrier was gone. Lisbon was gratified to hear that Rigsby was equally enthusiastic and confident. Always a good, solid agent, Rigsby was outstanding on arson cases.

In turn, Lisbon shared her reactions to the FBI, working for Cho, and her evolving relationship with Jane. She had little to share about her future because so much was up in the air. She was determined to be flexible so she and Jane could forge a path that worked for both.

With the night waning, it was time to wrap up the visit. Lisbon found her partner reading to Ben after having helped Rigsby put Taylor down for the night. The adults crowded around the door. Lisbon and Jane took their leave first.

Cho tarried. He pinned down some details with the Rigsby's about costs for his mom's care before being ready to go.

"Hey, Cho. It'll be great having you in the city again. Hope you can stay with the FBI."

"Yeah. Me too."

Van Pelt added happily, "If Lisbon and Jane relocate we'll all be around. I miss it, you know?"

Cho nodded again.

Rigsby scratched his head. "It was great seeing them. Jane's changed. –Both have, actually."

Cho just looked at him. "Lisbon has Jane back."

"And Jane? It's more than Lisbon, isn't it?"

"Now Jane has a life instead of a serial killer." Cho put on his jacket. "Let you know soon as I know anything."

"We'll keep in touch," Van Pelt promised.

"We've got it on this end," assured Rigsby.

Hotel, Sacramento

It was late when they got back. Not wanting to get up early before work, Lisbon showered while Jane turned in. Finished blow-drying her hair, she flipped off the light and joined him between sinfully smooth sheets. Luxury was never an option before, but she thought she could get used to the slightly plusher life Jane seemed to enjoy. She softly snorted to herself. Jane had spent a decade living out of a spartan motel room and a cold, dusty attic. She wouldn't begrudge him any creature comforts that they could afford. (She doubted money would be a problem.)

"Teresa?" Jane's silken voice somehow perfectly suited the black velvet, rain-soaked night.

"Hm?" she responded as she shifted into a comfortable position against his chest.

"You asked about family?"

"Family?"

"Kids. Our kids."

Her pulse quickened in suspense. "Yeah?"

"You. Home. Family. There's nothing I want more."

She turned under his arm to face him. "Sure?"

"Very," he answered, adding a kiss. "And you?"

She swallowed a lump, "I'd love to have kids with you."

He breathed deeply and exhaled slowly, all tension gone. After another kiss, "We'll have to get busy then," he murmured and drifted off.