Chapter 46 - Preparations

The cell phone reception was patchy in the diner so Lisbon slid out of the booth to take the call. Jane watched her through the window as she paced in front of it, the phone stuck to her ear.

"Everything okay?" Marcie asked him as she came to clear the table.

He turned from his reading of Lisbon's body language and addressed her with a smile. "Yes, lovely as ever, thank you."

She nodded towards Lisbon outside. "And how about things with your girl?"

He laughed softly at both her nosiness and the term she'd just used. "Better." He added quietly as he drained his cup, "I think."

She stopped putting dishes onto a tray and eyed him curiously. "You don't know for sure?"

Jane stacked the cup and saucer on the tray and shrugged. "It's...complicated. But better."

Marcie rolled her eyes. "Pfft. Complicated? That's what they say in the movies. You love her? Does she know that?"

"It's no wonder this place is dead if you're this nosy with all your customers," he replied with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

She folded her arms across her buxom chest and stared him down. He laughed again. "Yes, I do and yes, she knows."

She studied him for a long moment before releasing her arms and continuing to clear the table. "Then everything else will fall into place," she told him as she lifted the tray and began striding towards the kitchen.

He glanced to his left again as Lisbon put her phone away and walked back towards the door. "I do hope you're right," he muttered to himself as he heard the bell over the door sound, marking her return.

Before she sat down, he stated, "He's in."

She slid back into her seat and nodded. "Yeah. The religious angle is a no go area obviously but he's been able to find some businesses Visualize are a front for."

"Bigger than Haffner's Security Company, presumably?"

"Much bigger. There are three or four larger corporations that Walter's been able to track down that have shareholders outside of Visualize members from what he can ascertain. They may have put up the money initially and have Stiles' people at the helm but they've been floated on the stock exchange to make more profit. So, therefore, their shareholders are more pliable to be approached. Assets amount to around ten million dollars."

Jane whistled. "Well, that should be enough to make Stiles sit up and pay attention. Mashburn will be able to make a start tonight on approaching the larger shareholders?"

"Yeah, in the next couple of hours." She laughed, "Actually, one of them is an electronics company and he said he wouldn't mind a chunk of that. Think he might make a serious bid for that one."

Jane shook his head. "Typical of Walter not to allow a golden opportunity to go to waste."

"Yeah, it is," she smiled.

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

She pulled her head back. "What are you thanking me for? It's Walter you should be thanking."

He curled an eyebrow. "Well, I'm sure he'll find some use for my talents at reading people next time he has a business opportunity where he needs to be certain those he's getting involved with are on the level. But Lisbon, if it wasn't for you, he'd never have gone for it. And...if I sensed correctly what I believe I witnessed when he called, he was reluctant until you talked him into it some more."

"No," she said immediately, earning her a disbelieving tilt of the head in return.

She relaxed her shoulders and shrugged. "Okay...maybe he was still a little...wary. But you can't blame him for that, Jane. It's incredibly risky-"

"The risk wasn't what made him uncertain. He thrives on that type of thing. He was worried about you. About...well, about how things will turn out for you after this is over." He bit the inside of his cheek. "He's worried about how you'll be treated by me."

"He was...is...but I told him that wasn't his concern or his business. I've never needed a man to look out for my best interests and I'm not starting now. With him or with you. I make my own choices in life."

A smile crept up on his lips as she became more animated. "Okay, Miss Independence," he teased. "I guess I'm still finding it hard to believe you've actually chosen me."

"Over Walter?"

"No. Just in general. But he does care for you, that much is certain."

"Probably only because I played hard to get."

"You know it's more than that."

She shrugged. Quietly, "He's a good man but he's not..." Her cheeks coloured as she picked at a crumb left on the table.

"Not what or should that be not who?" Jane pressed, grinning.

"Oh, shut up," she said, scattering the crumb to the floor and resting her hands on her lap while she glared at him. "You know what I'm trying to say, you jackass."

"I love you too, Teresa," he responded affectionately.

She coloured some more and then let go of a breath. "So no more stupid jealousy over Walter, am I clear?"

He nodded, still smiling smugly. "Crystal, my dear."

Her tone turned professional again. "He mentioned a business trip to Europe so I advised him to take an early flight to get out of California. Just to be on the safe side."

"Very wise. He agreed?"

"Yeah, he's on his way to his jet now." She checked her watch. "Probably already there. He said he'd start putting the play in motion when he was over the Mid West. So, couple of hours or so, something like that. How long do you think until Stiles hears what he's up to?"

"Not too long after. Okay then. I'll text Stiles when Walter's safe and sound and out of California."

She frowned. "Wait, you're going to tell Stiles before Walter does anything? Why?"

"Because then Stiles will know-"

"We have Mashburn on our side," she finished for him.

"Well, yours more than mine but yes, then when Stiles hears confirmation from his sources of Mashburn's intentions, Stiles will realise he acted at our behest."

She smiled and puffed out a breath. "We could have his name tomorrow, Jane. I can't quite believe how close we are." She squirmed a little in the booth before settling with her back to it and folded her arms across her chest. "You're going to see Stiles tomorrow?"

"If all goes to plan, yes," he replied, noticing her demeanour was distinctly confrontational and read where she was going with this conversation.

"Jane-"

"Of course you can come with me when I meet him," he said, answering her unspoken question.

She raised an eyebrow, surprised he'd given in so easily. "Oh, so I'm not benched this time?"

"I know he's not Red John, Lisbon. And...well, if he asks about Mashburn he'll realise it's no bluff when he looks into your eyes."

"Because I'm such a bad liar."

"Most of the time," he said with a nonchalant shrug.

As her expression turned worrisome over the secret she'd kept from him that had kept them apart for a year, he shook his head emphatically. "Like I told you, that's all in the past. I meant it. Let that go, Lisbon, I have."

She let go of a breath and smiled at him. "You might have your man this time tomorrow."

Jane shook his head slightly. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. I've thought I've been close before. One step at a time."

She yawned, "Okay, we all done here? I have to report in to Wainwright."

"Yeah, I'll get the check."

After paying their bill and saying their goodbyes to Marcie who stifled the pair of them in two bear hugs on their way out, Jane asked her as they approached the car, "What do you have to see Wainwright about?"

"Progress report. I owe him one. Now...what the hell do I tell him is another question?"

"The truth, or a close version of it. Tell him to hold off on questioning Stiles further about Forster's statement as we have another line of enquiry open and that you'll give him a better update tomorrow."

"Hmm, much what I thought. I hope he goes for it. I think Bertram's been on his back over this whole thing." She paused, "Jane...I think we can trust him...Wainwright, that is."

"Well, he's not Red John so-"

"How do you know that for sure?"

"Too young. Our esteemed young leader would have been a babe in arms when Stiles and Red John were friends. I got the impression they knew each other a long time ago."

Lisbon could have smacked herself for not figuring that out for herself sooner. "Of course. I guess that's something. I've been thinking about Blake-"

"Please, Lisbon, not yet. Let's wait. Okay?" he said as they got in the vehicle.

She nodded. "Yeah, you're right. It's just..."

"I know. It's frightening and we've no idea of the scale of it."

She sucked in a breath then released it as she shuffled into the driver's side. "Is that why you mentioned running away?" she asked him quietly. "Because you think there'll be nothing left for us here after Blake is exposed, anyway?"

He brought the seatbelt around his front and clicked it in place before turning to her. "It's not the only or main reason for running but...yes, I think it's highly possible the CBI could be shut down, depending on the level of corruption within its walls."

She placed her hands on the steering wheel and took a deep breath as she looked to the front. "Yeah, I'm afraid you're most probably right," she sighed as she started the engine.

After reporting to Wainwright, Lisbon met Jane back in her office again. "Okay, all done. He's not overjoyed but he could tell we have a major play going on with Stiles so said he'd give us another day. I could have used your help up there to sell it, though."

"Meh, knew you'd be able to swing it all on your own. Excellent then, we're covered. I called Cho, updated him too. He said Grace was much better, her speech is pretty much restored and they've started the physical therapy. By the way, Cho wants in on the meeting tomorrow with Stiles, assuming it's on. Told him he was more than welcome to come along and skulk in the shadows while we talk to Stiles."

Lisbon laughed as she picked up her jacket. Absently, "That's great news about Grace. So, how about Thai tonight? We could pick it up on our way hom-"

The word died in her mouth as she said it and she stood with her lips parted in mortification. She was about to attempt to backpeddle when the twinkle in Jane's eyes told her there was no point.

"It's just a turn of phrase," she said anyway as she shoved her jacket on and turned away from him. He came up behind her and lifted her hair trapped inside the leather, patting it down her back, his fingers trailing through it more slowly and tenderly than was strictly necessary. Suddenly his warm breath was tickling her ear. "And a very nice one it is, too," he said, pecking her cheek quickly before stepping back again.

"Actually, I thought maybe we could treat ourselves to some room service tonight," he said conversationally as he stood in front of the couch with his hands in his pockets while she gathered her belongings.

She frowned as she turned. "Room service?"

He shrugged as he looked out towards the bullpen, rocking on the balls of his feet. "Thought we could book into a nice hotel room tonight, treat ourselves for a change." His jovial tone softened to something quieter and a line appeared between his eyes. "Just well, tomorrow...well...tomorrow anything could happen."

She placed her hand on his elbow and made him turn around to look at her. "Everything is going to be okay tomorrow. As long as you don't go running off on your own once you know who it is, everything is going to work out fine. Okay?"

"Of course," he shrugged with a well practiced smile.

She shook her head at him, seeing right through his act of indifference. "No, Patrick. I'm serious. When Stiles gives you his name then we deal with it together. Or..." She licked her lips, trying to think of something to threaten him with that would ensure he didn't act alone when it came to killing Red John. She shook her head more vehemently. "Or..." Nothing was coming to mind and tears borne of frustration and worry pricked her eyes.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them gently. "I promise I won't do this without you. We're partners, right?" he said softly.

She nodded and she let go of a breath. "You better not be lying to me, Patrick Jane, or so help me-"

"Hey, there's no need for threats of violence, Lisbon," he remarked with a broad smile.

She had no clue if he was being truthful with her but she'd have to give him the benefit of the doubt - although she'd watch him like a hawk if and when Stiles gave up Red John at the same time. She'd enlist Cho to handcuff him if she thought he was resolved to do this alone at any stage after that.

She asked him, "Then, what's this hotel room all about if it's not just because you think you're going to get yourself killed tomorrow?"

"Mashburn isn't the only one who might be targeted by Visualize once I send that text to Stiles in the next half hour. And I know we have security details but I'd rather not spend the night at yours or mine tonight. Safer elsewhere. And why not let it be a five star hotel with mints on the pillows?" he argued. He swallowed thickly and all humour left his voice. "And...we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, Teresa. There's no point denying that fact, either."

She couldn't argue with him on that point. They might both be dead by the same time tomorrow. And if this was going to be her last night on earth, wrapped up in Jane's arms with cool Egyptian cotton sheets around them... well, that didn't sound like too bad a place to spend it at all.

They dropped their go bags as soon as they entered the suite Jane had paid for them. He'd counted out hundreds of dollars at the reception desk of the swish downtown Hotel and with every passing note, Lisbon had blushed redder. She felt like some kind of expensive call girl as she stood at his side, although the jeans and blouse combo bore no resemblance to what Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman.

He was being careful, he'd told her, and that meant no credit card use. But concierges and reception clerks even in a classy establishment such as the one they were in were still amenable to being paid off when the room was going to be empty anyway.

"Wow, this is so nice," Lisbon said as she walked towards the picture windows and gazed at the glittering lights of Sacramento beneath her.

Jane's eyes travelled to the king sized bed in the room and smiled. "Certainly is." He took his phone out. "Well, here we go," he said as he looked at the screen before pressing out a message to Stiles.

Lisbon turned around. "What did you say to him?"

"Just asked him if he ever heard of Walter Mashburn," he smiled. "Because he soon would." He turned his phone off and put it on the nightstand.

"You're not leaving it on?"

He shook his head, "Nah, let him sweat for the night. You have yours on if there's anything case or hospital rated."

She smiled and turned around again to admire the view. He came up behind her and she leaned into him as he put his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to his chest. "Hungry?" he asked, pecking her shoulder.

"Yeah," she replied, "starving."

"Even after that sandwich?" he asked, his hands slipping beneath her jacket and his fingers trailing the skin under her blouse.

"I didn't say I wanted food," she smiled, turning her head and finding his lips. He moaned into her mouth as she deepened it rapidly. "Thank god for that," he said, turning her quickly in his arms and yanking her jacket off her shoulders quickly. Once out of it, he pulled her forward and then backed her up against the nearest wall as he kissed her hungrily, his fingers searching for the buttons on her blouse. "I thought you didn't believe in god," she panted as his lips and tongue feverishly attacked her neck and collarbone.

"It's just a turn of phrase," he responded immediately, a smile in his voice as he repeated the same words she'd said to him earlier. He released a moan of contentment as he threw open her blouse and plunged his head between her breasts, darting his tongue out again and swishing and swirling it against the skin exposed on her belly as one hand dragged her bra upwards roughly to expose her breasts before he feasted on them. Lisbon gripped his hair tightly as she exposed her neck, the back of her head planted firmly against the wall as she groaned and writhed against him.

Her jeans were open an instant later and his right hand wove its way into her panties in what felt like less than a second later. He brought his face back up her body, pressing into her already almost limp body harder and harder as he sucked on the pulse point in her neck and nipped on its skin.

"Jesus," she let out, one hand going over her mouth to stifle the scream she was likely to make if he kept the pace up of what he was doing to her with his long fingers below. She had scarcely time to respond to one sensation before he assaulted her with a new wave of passion, his free hand going around her head and bringing her lips to his in earth shattering kisses she could barely react to. For a man who spent most of his existence in a sedentary position, he could move with the speed of a short distance runner when he wanted. Before she knew it, she was seeing stars and her hand went to still his below before she thought she would lose the ability to breathe, with the sound of Jane's heavy breathing in her ear the last thing she'd ever hear.

He stopped momentarily, softened his touches into teasing ones and kissed her tenderly to allow her to catch her breath.

"What was-"

She only had two words out before he picked up speed again and her head flopped back to the wall again with a ragged breath. After, he extricated his hand and she felt him lift her up as her legs almost gave way under the second torrent of heat that swept through her in less than a minute. He carried her, kissing her softly on her temple as he did so. If she could speak she may have protested at being carried in such a fashion but she could not.

Then she was placed gently on the bed and was vaguely aware of the rustling of clothes. She opened her eyes and found they were hers as Jane undressed her, kissing each patch of skin with soft kisses as he uncovered it. He quickly followed her when they'd locked eyes as he stood at the bottom of the bed and she'd grinned at him, unbelievingly ruffled and sexually satisfied quicker than she'd ever known before. Gaining some energy while he became as naked as she was, she rolled off the bed and pulled the covers away before getting in. As she'd hoped, cool white cotton sheets greeted her and she hummed accordingly.

She saw that same hunger in his eyes as he joined her under the covers that she'd experienced from him minutes before. He needed a release from thoughts of what might happen the following day and slow and tender sex wasn't going to accomplish that. Not yet tonight, anyway. Without words, she pulled him against her quickly and wrapped her legs around his waist, leaving him no more time for the preliminaries and no requirement for him to explain himself. He kissed her gently in appreciation of her understanding before he placed himself at her core and thrusted into her, fast and hard, immediately.

After, limbs intertwined and with glistening bodies, he lay with his head on her belly as she grazed her fingers through his curls lazily. One of his hands lay at her hip and the other lay in hers, caressing her knuckles.

"I'll find a way," he said, kissing her belly, after both of them lay in silence for a few minutes.

"Hmm?" she said, almost sleeping from their earlier exertions and the comfort they'd found with each other again.

He raised his head but merely turned it towards her before placing it back on her stomach, his eyes seeking hers though the valley of her breasts. "You don't want to go on the run, that's obvious. So I'll find another way where you won't have to."

"Where we won't have to," she reminded him.

He laughed softly and brought her fingertips to his mouth, kissing them. "Yes, where we won't have to."

"How?"

He gave a half shrug. "I'll think of something, I always do."

"I hope you do," she responded. "Because I...I really don't want to live that way but, I guess, if there's no alternative..."

He moved and kissed her lips as he gently stroked her cheeks. "You won't have to. I promise I'll find a way, Teresa."

She kissed him back and they embraced. "I love you," she said quietly before she swallowed and squeezed him tight.

He pulled his head back and grinned victoriously at her, making her laugh as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I never stopped," she told him. She sniffed, "And believe me I tried," she laughed.

He chuckled, kissing her again. "I know. Me too," he said before he took her in his arms again.

A/N: Apologies for this chapter, it was pretty much all filler but I had some ducks to line up as we head towards the finale. I'm writing for this story every chance I get now to get it finished very soon so there should be regular updates until I get there (probably another two chapters and epilogue to go after this one, I'm figuring). Then I'll get back to my other fics Broken and Reconnect. For those who haven't forgotten it, I also intend to pick up Destinies again once this one is out of the way (some of you have been asking me about it lately).

And thanks again to all of you still reading this marathon of a story, it means the world to me. Can't believe it's had over 1200 reviews (and most of them were even good ones!) Haven't had a chance to respond individually yet to those from last chapter but will do so very soon.