Chapter 41: A Few Gifts Among Friends
A/N: Dialog marked with an asterisk ("*") is quoted verbatim from The Mentalist Violets episode script.
Party House, Dallas, Saturday Morning
Light streamed through the transom windows which sat above the drapery-covered tall rectangular windows and sliding glass door to the balcony. Lisbon groaned and turned her head away. Her vibrating cell phone ended any chance of continuing to sleep.
She fumbled for the phone. "Lisbon," disoriented for a moment at the unfamiliar bedroom. Oh, yeah. Party house. "...Thanks for the warning, Wylie." She hung up and lay back. A minute later she sat up at the thought that bedroom privacy was over once Wylie turned the cameras back on. She gathered her clothes and hurried into the bathroom . Jane still asleep? It'd wait till she had showered and dressed.
Lisbon pulled the drapes open. She snapped her fingers after almost forgetting to reinsert the receiver into an ear. Then she went downstairs.
FBI, Dallas
The team met first thing Saturday morning in the Dallas FBI building. Wylie called Lisbon, booted up a computer to resume monitoring the house and hurried to the meeting room. Crowded into the conference room were Abbott, the art squad minus the two agents watching the house, and Tork's team minus Lisbon and Jane. Cho sat between Fischer and Tork. Abbott opened the meeting.
"Good work yesterday, everyone. You especially, Fischer." She nodded her acknowledgment. "After the party, the art gang leader Edwin MacKaye showed up as Jane expected. MacKaye was unhappy to learn he had competition, but they agreed on a temporary partnership to go after the touring Manet art exhibit."
Having stepped into the operation mid-way, Cho asked, "How will that nail MacKaye for murder?"
"Several pieces used in staging the house are worth six figures. Disabling a home security system is easy compared to hitting the exhibit. Jane thinks the bait is irresistible. MacKaye robs the house. Various diversions will allow MacKaye to believe he's gotten away while herding him to a taxi manned by Wylie. MacKaye goes to his stash of stolen art to drop off the new pieces. Any art from the Hennigan Gallery links him to the murder."
Cho again, "Time line?"
Pike answered uneasily. "Approximate. While MacKaye cases the Manet exhibit with Lisbon and Jane, we expect his team to B-and-E only to find the art is in a safe. Don't know how long MacKaye stays away. Don't know when he returns to force them to open the safe. The time line on the handout starts when MacKaye escapes."
"Why not let them take the art without putting people at risk? Just tail them."
Abbott answered that one. "For all we know, the gang's regular MO involves leaving the art in a moving van or storing it out of town. We need to disrupt their plan – separate MacKaye from his team yet leave him with valuable art he needs to hide. MacKaye lives in Dallas, has businesses here. We're betting he has art hidden here too."
Cho fell silent. It was much too late to change the plan. It felt more and more like the dangerous early days with Jane. Only now he worried more about the team than Jane. He actively wished Rigsby and Van Pelt were working the case instead of Pike, Tork and unfamiliar agents.
Abbott confirmed each agent's responsibility. "Pike you're stationed here. You monitor the house and issue instructions in case of unexpected contingencies. You're liaison with the EMT's if we need an ambulance." Pike nodded.
Abbott continued. "Fischer, make sure the parade is teed up as soon as MacKaye escapes. The parade must block Sagebrush Drive between 9th and 11th Streets so MacKaye doesn't try to go around."
He turned to Wylie. "Wylie, you be ready to pick up MacKaye after the parade blocks him. Be sure the taxi's tracking gear works. Tork's group follows till you drop off MacKaye. With luck, that will be where MacKaye hides stolen art." Wylie grinned at the prospect of field work.
He faced Tork next. "You form a loose perimeter with the art squad. Follow MacKaye out of sight so you're ready when he leads us to the art. You set up to talk to Wylie and your group?" Tork nodded.
Abbott looked back at Cho. "Cho, you're with me. The biggest risk is when Lisbon and Jane are in that house with MacKaye's team. We disrupt that and split off MacKaye as soon as possible. Pike, patch the house audio to Cho and me once MacKaye and his men enter." He looked around. "Questions? – Okay, let's go catch us a thief and murderer."
The group gathered their things and filed out. Tork smirked and nudged Pike. "Takes a thief to catch a thief." Cho threw them a withering look and didn't step aside till Tork mumbled, "Sorry. Just a saying."
Pike caught up with Wylie to go over the equipment before the tech whiz left. Pike sat down and scanned the house monitors as Wylie reviewed how to switch between cameras, enlarge a particular view, patch audio to field receivers, and use the mic to speak to field agents. A crib sheet listed which receiver was used by each agent. Wylie left. Pike finally took a look at what was on the cameras. Lisbon was up and dressed. And ... looks like Jane slept on the couch. Huh. His small smile faded as he turned full attention to preparing for the operation.
Party House, Dallas
Lisbon squatted next to the couch and gently shook his shoulder. "Jane, it's morning. Time to get going."
Jane blinked sleepily. Not fully awake, he took her upper arm and pulled her closer for a 'good morning' kiss. Lisbon pulled back. "Cameras are on. C'mon, wake up. Need to get ready before MacKaye shows." Jane sat up with a grunt, place and purpose again at the front of his thoughts. He started to fold the throw.
"I'll do that. You get dressed."
Jane yawned widely, smiled, and headed for the stairs. Time to get his head in the game.
Jane managed to feed them using pancake mix, eggs, and jam he found in the kitchen. Pike checked in with them, making sure their receivers, and the video and audio for every camera were working.
It was mid-morning when they were ready to leave – fashionably late as befit the art theft crowd. There was no reason to put themselves in morning traffic to case an art exhibit.
They stepped outside into brilliant sun. Lisbon reflected that a Saturday morning with weather like this was perfect for a parade – Good. She reveled in the simplicity of a sun dress and flats. Jane looked much the same, just with a different suit and scarf. She huffed, He just dons a scarf while I had that tight dress and heels! Wonder when MacKaye will–ah, speak of the devil!
Jane smiled as MacKaye pulled up and rolled down the window. "You just love popping up places, don't you?"*
Curtly, "Let's go."*
Lisbon said with an edge, "And good morning to you, too."*
Jane called, "Shotgun,"* and sat next to MacKaye in the passenger seat. Three police cruisers drove by as they pulled out. MacKaye frowned. "It's cool. Just a nearby police station."
The three toured the art exhibit and returned to the SUV. A billboard advertised the exhibit with a picture of the Violets painting. Half turned to look at Lisbon, Jane commented, "Manet painted it as a gift for his brother's wife, his forbidden love. He couldn't express his love to her in words, so he did it in a different way – with a painting. It's worth maybe $100 million if it ever went to auction."*
All business, MacKaye asked, "You have someone who wants it?"*
Lisbon assured him, "We've got a customer lined up."*
"How much?"*
"Five million."*
"Fair enough." To Jane, "Now, you've probably got some, uh, cute little plan to get us in and out, no fuss, no muss, huh?"*
Jane, easily, "Well, I do like to keep my muss to a minimum."*
"I don't do cute. Tricks, cleverness – it's a waste of time."*
Lisbon mildly disagreed, "You'd be surprised."*
"Ah, fast and simple. That's the way to do things."*
"You're the one behind the wheel,* if you think you have a good approach," Jane offered amicably.
MacKaye left them at the house with a promise to be in touch by Sunday. Jane bent over and picked up a tiny piece wood just outside the front door.
"We had visitors," Jane said with satisfaction.
"As expected."
Closing an unnoticeable fragment in the door was a very old trick to warn that someone had been inside. He'd done the same for every ground floor door, regardless of the electronic monitoring. Pike confirmed his conclusion when they entered, and assured them the intruders had left. Jane closed the door without bolting it. MacKaye's team would be back. When was the only question.
Looking over the security system Jane commented, "They're competent. No sign the alarm was reset."
"Sometimes you worry me." Jane gave her a questioning glance. "How you know all this, just what side of legal you lived on way back when."
He shrugged with a grin. "Picked up things even if I didn't, ah, apply that knowledge myself."
She shook her head and went into the kitchen. She returned with two flutes and a half full bottle of champagne which somehow was still effervescent.
"I've driven you to drink already?"
"Just playing the part. –Though this really is good."
"Especially on the FBI's tab."
"Hush."
With time to kill, they sat and talked in the living room. Each took a small sip of the champagne for appearances. Jane assured Lisbon MacKaye's team would be back and probably soon.
"His 'fast and simple' equals greedy and impatient. Thug."
Lisbon was about to reply when Pike warned that four men approached.
Pulaski kicked in the door with a *BANG!* Three followed him in.
"Don't move!" Pulaski said loudly. Four guns aimed at Lisbon and Jane.
MacKaye calmly closed the ruined door to avoid notice.
Jane unhurriedly rose and faced them. He held one arm out, open hand showing he was no threat. He sipped the champagne before setting the glass down. "Whoa! Did I miss the doorbell?"* MacKaye motioned him to move away from the sofa. "I guess this ends our partnership." Lisbon remained seated and silent, facing them. Her gun was hidden under a nearby cushion.
"Think you'd put one over on me, hiding the art? Think again."*
Jane sighed. "Common sense. –Though my guests don't usually steal from me."
"Red, Jake, stay with her. If I give the word, kill her.*" Jane's face fell and paled. MacKaye smiled. "Thought so. Soft spot." He motioned to Jane. "Move. You have two minutes to open the safe."
Jane mounted the stairs, followed by MacKaye and Pulaski. Jane flicked the switch that slid back a false wall. He keyed in the code and the safe door swung open. Jane's face revealed nothing when Pike whispered that Jane should nod when he wanted Abbott and Cho to bust in. Pulaski rummaged through the safe while Jane sat slumped on the edge of the bed. MacKaye's gun never wavered.
Pulaski pulled out the most valuable paintings and sculptures. He ran his hands over the artwork then showed MacKaye a handful of minute tracking devices.
"You think I'm stupid?"*
Evenly, "Ask me that question when you don't have a gun."*
MacKaye taunted, "Cutesy electronic bullshit. Doesn't stop bullets, does it?" Jane said nothing.
Pulaski loaded two large duffel bags, one with sculptures, the other with rolled up paintings. "That's the good stuff, Boss."
MacKaye raised his gun. "You know my face, my name. Can't leave-"
"Don't be stupid!" Jane said sharply. MacKaye paused. "A gunshot or breaking glass triggers an alarm at the police station. Cops'll be here in seconds."
MacKaye frowned, then motioned Jane to get up. "We'll just take you two along. Find someplace without alarms."
Pulaski picked up the heavier bag and exited. MacKaye motioned Jane to follow. He picked up the other bag and brought up the rear. Jane nodded when Pulaski reached the first floor.
Abbott and Cho burst in. "DROP 'EM, HANDS UP!" The three thieves were suddenly trapped between Abbott and Lisbon.
Cho charged up the stairs. "DROP IT NOW!"
MacKaye kicked Jane down the stairs, turned and dashed into the bedroom. Cho untangled himself from Jane, then ran down and out the door. He circled 'round in time to see MacKaye jump from the balcony. Cho sprinted, following him behind the house. MacKaye ran around a corner, ducked into an alley and hid behind a dumpster. He grinned as Cho ran past.
MacKaye loped toward the other end of the alley, only to be stopped as a garbage truck backed in. *Beep...Beep...Beep...Beep...* He reversed and threaded his way between buildings to Sagebrush. He turned away when he found it blocked by a parade. The next side street was empty except for the taxi slowly cruising in search of a fare. MacKaye hailed the taxi, got in and gave the address. He leaned back, exultant. The duffel bag contained a cool half mil worth of art. He could hire hitmen to get rid of the grifter and his followers – everyone who could identify him. He might not even have to relocate. He paid and tipped the cabbie generously. It was his lucky day.
His luck ran out.
FBI, Dallas
Abbott faced Edwin MacKaye in interrogation. Pleasantly, "We don't need you to say anything. We already have the rest of your crew in custody. We have FBI witnesses for armed robbery, assault, kidnapping. We have enough stolen art to start a museum."* He leaned forward, "And best of all, we have the paintings that prove you killed John Hennigan."*
"Lawyer."*
Jane walked in and sat next to Abbott. "'Lawyer.' –Well, um, that is your right."* He snapped his fingers. "Oh, what song was the marching band playing, by the way? Hmm? The marching band that, uh, blocked* your escape – what song were they playing?*"
"What are you talking about?!"*
Mildly, "Well, I requested 'The Yellow Rose of Texas.' Were they playing 'The Yellow Rose of Texas'?"*
Realization dawning, MacKaye said, "The garbage truck, the marching band... You did all that? You steered me to the cab, huh?"*
Jane's smile was predatory, dangerous. "The illusion of control. It made you feel safe enough to go where you kept the paintings."* He shrugged. "Just a few 'tricks and cleverness.' Now, unless you have any further questions about how I played you,* I have someplace fabulous to go.*"
Abbott motioned the uniformed officer in to escort MacKaye to a cell. Jane and Abbott left.
"Have to give it to you, Jane. Wouldn't want you for an enemy."
Jane smiled, "We're w-a-y past that, Dennis. Think of me as an ally." Abbott just snorted. They entered the break room where everyone from Austin had gathered except the art squad agents who were securing the party house, retrieving the staging art, and securing art stolen by MacKaye. The talking died down as they noticed Abbott's arrival. Jane joined Lisbon and Cho off to the side.
"Everyone, excellent work. We solved a murder and a two-year string of art thefts. Thanks to you the murderer will be a guest of the state for a very long time." Abbott turned to leave.
Jane stepped forward. "Dennis – everyone, I have a few things for you." Jane put a large box on a table. "We recently had a little team-building seminar. Thought I'd do my part. Every adult has a kid inside who pines for something he never got as a child," he announced with a flourish.
Cho whispered to Lisbon, "Bet he'd glow in the dark."
"Shush. You know it's just his high after a con."
"Let's see if I guessed right." Jane handed a gift-wrapped box to Abbott.
Abbott couldn't quite suppress a smile as he unwrapped a vintage Voltron robot, pristine in an original box. "I'm not even going to ask."
"Wise. Cho–"
A soft snort and the twinkle in his eyes revealed Cho's amusement at the Mexican jumping beans. He nodded his thanks.
Fischer's faint blush belied her diffident shrug when she unwrapped a sparkly magic wand. Jane said for her ears only, "Nice work with Pulaski. Think I caught a glimpse of the real Kim Fischer."
Her eyes narrowed, "A sex-crazed slut?"
Gently, "A capable, multi-faceted woman." A bit louder, "Join us for dinner?" Cho's eyes widened in surprise.
Startled, after a moment she replied, "Lena's flying in. I'm joining them in Austin." Fischer had grown close to the Abbott's as they helped her recover physically from her wounds and emotionally from her father's betrayal and death.
Next was Wylie. Delighted his tamagotchi already had a battery, Wylie immediately started playing with it. He said to no one in particular, "I dropped it in the pool and my folks wouldn't buy another one."
A Dallas agent stuck his head in to say a woman was asking to see Patrick Jane. Tork and Pike accepted the packages Jane unexpectedly handed them.
Jane looked around, "Hope you like them. I have to meet someone right now, so see you back in Austin." Lisbon and Cho exchanged glances. Jane always ducked any thanks.
Tork's smile at his Mickey Mouse ears gift was followed by a scowl as another interpretation struck him.
Pike's eyes widened in appreciation at the Morro painting. Then his face creased in anger. "A forgery?! That's not funny when–"
Lisbon said quietly, "A copy. The artist includes a tiny anachronism so it can't be mistaken for real." When Pike glanced at her in confusion, "It's from a CBI case that also involved a murder and art theft."
"Oh." Pike frowned, even more confused. "Why would Jane do this?" He pinged from pleasure at the really fine copy – which had to cost thousands, to wondering if an insult was implied. What the hell is he getting at? A copy, not authentic? Damned tricky, confusing...
Lisbon tipped her head and said, "Why does Jane do anything?" before drifting back to Cho.
Pike's gaze trailed her. "Tork, guess who didn't get anything."
"Who?"
"Lisbon."
"Real jerk, isn't he?"
Pike shook his head. Every interaction with Jane left him off balance, frustrated, confused.
People milled around for a few minutes hoping Jane would return. When he didn't, Tork told Pike the art squad agents were meeting them at a tex-mex restaurant. Pike said he'd follow in a few minutes.
Abbott announced he had to leave to meet Lena's flight. Fischer followed him out.
Cho commented dryly to Lisbon, "I see this crowd doesn't celebrate together." She shrugged. "Wylie and I will get the SUV. You collect Jane."
The room had emptied out except for Lisbon and Pike. Pike looked at his painting, then at Lisbon who stood empty-handed. "Lisbon – Teresa, we could get those pancakes now. You're a hell of an agent and a mighty fine woman. I'd like to get to know you."
Flustered, "I, uh, I was gonna have dinner with Jane." She looked around, desperately hoping Jane would instantly appear.
Pike took and released a breath slowly. "Teresa, my father bullied and browbeat my mother their entire marriage. It doesn't have to be like that. You don't have to put up with that."
Lisbon's mouth hung open a little. She closed her mouth and swallowed, looked away. "Marcus, um, Pike, it – it isn't like–"
Jane poked his head in the door. "–Lisbon, c'mon. Cho's double-parked." He grabbed her hand and tugged gently. Lisbon followed with a stricken backward glance at Pike.
She hoped Jane didn't hear Pike's "Damn!"
Kenny's, Dallas
Cho drove. Wylie rode shotgun. Lisbon and Jane were in back. Cho and Lisbon nixed Jane's suggestions - a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant and a "high concept" French restaurant that he "just happened" to know. They settled on Kenny's, a grill that would satisfy the three agents without Jane turning up his nose.
Lisbon lightly poked Jane in the ribs. "You are the worst food snob."
"Just open to new things."
"Yeah, really flexible about beverages," she drawled. "It's either all-night diners in bad neighborhoods. Or hundred-dollar-a-plate places." She squeezed his leg affectionately. Jane covered her hand and laced his fingers with hers.
After a lull, Wylie burbled happily, "Man, this case was fun. I'm sorry there was a murder, but solving it was cool." He twisted around to look back at Jane. "Jane, Pike said MacKaye was going to kill you. How did you know about the noise alarm wired to the police station?"
Jane looked sheepish when Lisbon glared at that bit of news. Easily, "I lied. It's reasonable the house might have that security measure. MacKaye bought it."
Cho asked, "How's working with Pike and Tork?"
Lisbon glanced at Wylie, then decided he was one of them. After all, Wylie had provided critical help on Blake when they asked. She sighed. "They don't 'get' how Jane operates. Not good."
Cho continued, "How 'bout you, Wylie? You like field work?"
"Great not to be stuck at a desk for once."
"Tork gives you time in the field?"
Wylie deflated. "No. He thinks agents are either field or specialty. Pike too."
Lisbon changed the subject. "How about you, Cho? How's your mom, the new job?"
"She's pretty much recovered. Family came over to celebrate. I start work week after next."
Wylie asked timidly, transparently. "The relocation's permanent, then?"
"Yeah."
The restaurant was everything they hoped. In a good mood after the successful con, Jane was exceptionally entertaining. Only when Wylie stepped away to the men's room did Cho ask about Fischer.
"You're working with Fischer again."
"We are," Lisbon confirmed.
Cho looked at Jane. "Why?"
Jane shrugged. "Why not?" Jane threw down his napkin and excused himself to go to the men's room.
Cho looked at Lisbon in silent query.
"He feels sorry for her, maybe relates to her. Kim's father was even more of a bastard than his was."
"Unexpected."
"He's trying, Cho. He doesn't want to nurse new grudges, stay angry. And, frankly, she isn't so bad now. She changed after the mess with her father."
"Okay."
After dinner they dropped Cho off at the airport. He'd be in San Francisco when the moving van arrived. Then Wylie drove back with Lisbon and Jane.
Jane-Lisbon Apartment, Austin
Jane unlocked the door and they trudged inside. They dropped their away bags in the bedroom without bothering to turn on lights. Lisbon grabbed her sleep tee and disappeared in the bathroom for a quick shower. Jane shed jacket and shoes, sank onto the couch and propped his feet up, letting the day's tension drain away.
Lisbon finished fifteen minutes later, damp hair curling around her face as she entered the living room. She ruffled his hair.
"Hey. I'm making coffee. Want tea?"
"Always." Jane sat up and looked toward the kitchen over the couch back. How long before she notices?
A minute later Lisbon walked out with their drinks and a framed picture in hand. Uncertainly, "Jane, what's this?"
"I had a real estate ad framed." Two kids played with a dog in front of a little yellow cottage. The mom was gardening while the dad washed the car.
She sat down slowly. "Why?"
Slight smile on his lips, he explained, "Anyone who lost his happy childhood wants nothing more than to regain it. It never goes away."
"I never said that."
He pulled her close to nestle against him. "Who said I was talking about you?"
She leaned far enough away to face him. "I thought you didn't have - I mean–"
"Then you want it even more." He kissed her cheek and sighed. "There were some good years when my mom was alive. ... Before my dad became what he did." He swallowed a lump. "It's what I wanted with Angie and Charlie." He looked down. "And then threw it all away."
"Don't do this, Jane." She leaned forward, got his tea and handed it to him.
He drank some and took a deep breath to regain his composure. Gaze burning intensely into her eyes, "It's what I want with you."
She licked her lips. Green eyes bright with emotion, "Me too."
He hugged her close again. "It won't be long, my dear. We'll have that home and family."
Her face crumpled in dismay. "Not so far. I don't know–"
"Shhh." He kissed her, interrupting the uncertainty and pain and longing. "We'll have a family one way or another. We've come so far despite everything. Best of all, I have you."
They stayed awhile, content just sitting together, tired but satisfied with the day's work. Jane finally roused himself. He put their cups in the sink then gave Lisbon a hand up.
"C'mon, love. We'll sleep better in bed." He guided her down the hall to the bedroom, arm around her shoulders. He flicked the light on and paused in the doorway.
Lisbon blinked sleepily. "Why'd you stop?" She looked around and suddenly straightened. She whispered, "Manet's Violets?" as she saw the new picture above the bed.
He grinned. "A print. Story fits us, doesn't it? So many years I couldn't–"
"–We couldn't–"
"–admit our love. Forbidden love."
She turned in his arms. "Not anymore. I love you, Patrick Jane. Always have, always will."
He brushed tears from her cheeks, not noticing a few of his own. "And I love you." He grinned and said, "You're stuck with me, you know. Obsessive personality. One track mind."
She swallowed and mirrored his grin. "Wouldn't have it any other way." She looked sharply at him. "Hey–that's two gifts. Which is which?"
His smile was pure joy. "They're both ours. We can dream together now." She yelped when he tossed her on the bed and leaped on alongside her. Sleep was delayed by much laughter, kissing, and passion as they did their best to start the family they wanted.