Chapter 12 – The best laid plans
Jane just shook his head with bemusement as Lisbon marshalled her private armoury from weapons secreted around the place; she examined her weapons for a suitable one for Jane weighing each one up in her hands as she looked at Jane. Eventually she settled on a Baby Glock not the smallest available but with Jane's long fingers it hit the best possible compromise of being manageable and compact; it would easily fit in his pocket or an ankle holster though her own holsters would be way too small for his muscled legs.
Lisbon slid it across the table to him "Try this for size Jane" quickly reverting back to working mode and names.
"Really Lisbon it's a poor excuse for a gun and I'm not sure I want to carry one in any case" he opined.
"So you would rather stand by and watch me get shot with no means of defence? Look it's for absolute emergencies and very concealable - let me show you how to use it."
Jane huffed in frustration there was no point arguing with that. "I assure you my dear Teresa that despite my aversion to firearms, you don't grow up on the Carnie circuit without knowing how to handle a gun, I'll have you know I have a very good eye when I choose."
Lisbon could not help but tease him "Impressing the girls were we Paddy?" She had no doubt he would be good at whatever he set his mind to.
Jane smirked back."The very thought my dear. Come on run me through the safety and loading of this noxious implement, if you are going to force me to carry it I suppose I need to know something about it." Jane weighed it up in his hands trying it out for feel then rejecting the suggestion of a leg holster tried it in his pocket for size, not that he had any intention of carrying it round with him.
Wylie had arranged to meet Jane in the park, although they hadn't met before they soon established an easy rapport. Wylie chatted away ten to the dozen as Jane quietly tried to get him to focus on the matter in hand, the young geek's synapses were firing so quickly that his thought processes were a bit random. It was impossible to dislike him and Jane just ended up smiling at his exuberance. A bit of puppy training was in order and he would have loved the chance to teach Wylie how to discipline his overactive brain but for now he just had to retrieve what he could as efficiently as possible.
Wylie had no trouble getting the neighbours to talk; Jane was surprised they got a word in edgeways. It transpired that Mashburn was around nine years old when his father had died, it was assumed he had committed suicide as he had been found with his wrists slit and there were no further investigations. The neighbours spoke of a tempestuous marriage; the police had been called out on more than one occasion. One of the neighbours commented that the young Mashburn was a cool character even at that age.
Wylie passed over some old handwritten archives he had managed to get hold of which Jane would peruse later in private. They chatted over a taco before going their own ways both hoping they would have the opportunity to renew their acquaintance sometime.
Jane was making some tea when Lisbon came in from her training session; she had been meeting up with one of her old sparring partners to keep up her fitness levels. She looked delightful in her workout pants, face slightly flushed from exercise with some wilful strands of hair escaping from her pony tail. Jane's eyes crinkled as he smiled at her, she was a real pocket rocket - his little warrior preparing for combat he reflected ruefully.
He couldn't resist a quick smooch as he pulled her towards him, she was unbelievably enticing like this. Although they had carried on pretty much as normal after last night something had awakened in Jane that could not be ignored. After all those years of abstinence he was painfully aware of Teresa's presence, he could see the fire burning in her eyes as she met his look reciprocating the intensity of his desire. His hands roamed over her tiny frame taking in her curves before settling on her face and drawing her into a gentle kiss. They smiled tenderly at each other before drawing apart reluctantly, knowing they had to address more pressing matters.
"Teresa you know this is as much about self preservation as revenge, though hopefully one will bring about the other. We still have no concrete evidence against Mashburn and don't want to end up under suspicion ourselves so we need to find a way of tricking him into revealing himself. He thinks he has the upper hand somehow we need to gain an advantage either with the element of surprise or we need to get him to overplay his hand."
Lisbon found it strange to hear Jane talk like this having pursued his revenge with a religious fervour up until now - maybe he had turned the corner and really had chosen life.
Jane continued "I think I ought to pay him a friendly visit to try and get the lay of the land, I'll take Cho as backup if you want. I can't see what could go wrong he is not going to make the first move, why would he when he enjoys taunting us?"
"Jane I'm really not happy about this, your plans may work against less able adversaries but Mashburn is a master manipulator." Lisbon had seen his foolproof plans backfire more than once.
"Going in all guns blazing leaves us exposed and Abbot won't back us up if anything goes wrong, we need a more subtle approach. I really need to talk to him face to face - he won't do anything unless he feels threatened."
"I'm not sure - I need to talk to Cho and Abbott about this." Lisbon remained sceptical.
The next day Jane came home in a 1966 Austin Healy BJ8 Roadster, it was a real classic much like his beloved Citroen. The iconic racing car green coloured convertible was perhaps not as sleek as the more urbane classic Healey blue version but the raffish look appealed to Jane; with its black leather interior and 4 speed manual transmission it was a real collector's piece - Jane was in heaven. He knew Mashburn's penchant for sports cars though he preferred the high end status symbols but who could resist this little beauty and he felt sure he could entice him out for a spin – a bit of friendly joshing and Mashburn would be hooked.
Lisbon rolled her eyes as Jane pulled up outside - what was it with him and these cranky European cars, why couldn't he have a proper car?
"Really Jane - another relic?" She sighed.
"Surely you mean classic my dear?" He replied. "Besides this is an investment, class is ageless."
"And this helps how?" She sighed seriously wondering if he had a screw loose as he stroked the car lovingly.
"Tactics Teresa, tactics." Jane replied smugly.
Lisbon just shook her head before going over to examine his new toy; she had to acknowledge its appeal.
"Ah.. I can see you imagining yourself behind the wheel, the wind in your hair - a real Penelope Pitstop battling Dick Dastardly."
Lisbon nimbly sidestepped as Jane reached out for her. "Foiled again Muttley" she sniggered as she walked away.
Cho was arriving at weekend he would spend a day with the Rigsbys before coming over to Sacramento. Both Jane and Lisbon had phoned him privately to put across their own concerns for the other, reading between the lines it looked like he was going to have to pay up on that bet. Though neither had said anything to Cho it was clear that their concerns for each other were past the sibling affection stage. He sighed it was bad enough with Van Pelt and Rigsby now he Jane and Lisbon to contend with; in the words of Yogi Berra it was like deja-vu, all over again.
Though he had split loyalties he fundamentally agreed with Jane that Lisbon's safety was paramount and if he had to choose he would back Jane. He would discuss it with the Rigsbys but would have to be circumspect as Grace would no doubt be primed by Lisbon to let her know what was going on.
Cho was delighted to see how well Grace and Wayne looked, though he wouldn't acknowledge it he missed Rigsby more than he cared to admit. They were not exactly Bert and Ernie but were definitely polar opposites who inexplicably hit it off.
Rigsby insisted on taking Cho out for a couple of beers; Cho guessed there was a Taco truck close by as Grace was into healthy eating with her pregnancy and Rigsby looked decidedly lean these days. Cho got the beers in then passed over a hundred bucks across to a confused Rigsby. Cho just said "You win."
"Is that right? - Grace thinks they're still dancing the fandango, it will be news to her."
"Take it from me Jane's paranoid about Lisbon's safety - it's a done deal. He's hatching a plan don't know whether Lisbon's involved but he's up to something." Cho grunted.
The following day Cho finally met up with Jane and Lisbon, he said nothing but their new found familiarity was apparent as Jane's hands lingered slightly longer than necessary whenever he touched Lisbon. Jane outlined his plan to drop in on Mashburn unannounced suggesting Cho could follow up at a distance.
"Abbott agree to this?" Cho said.
"It's just reconnaissance really, exploring ideas. You can tell him if you want."Jane replied.
"OK probably best to let him know, don't want to blow things with him straight away – he won't want any surprises." Cho said.
Having ascertained Mashburn was back in the US and working from home and they decided to make an impromptu visit the next day. Although Lisbon was on board with this she knew that even the implacable Cho was not beyond getting roped in to Jane's schemes so she tipped Grace off to start tracking Jane's phone just in case anything went wrong.
Jane's sun kissed hair flew back in the breeze as he drove, he looked every bit the latter day playboy in his well cut suit and Rayban wayfarers – Teresa had done a double take as he drove off; she had to admit the car suited him to a tee he looked undeniably dashing.
The car drove like a dream Jane revelled in the feeling of nostalgia for a bye gone era, when things were still crafted and designed by real people unlike the cloned cars of today. The car purred along the highway with a slightly throaty roar when Jane ventured to put his foot down on the open roads in Marin County. There was something about these classic cars that appealed to his sense of style, there was a real panache to them not matched by the brasher more ostentatious cars in vogue today that spoke of overt displays of wealth and little class. His lip curled when he recalled the yellow monstrosity of Mashburn's that he had accidentally trashed, such a shame Mashburn hadn't been in the car at the time he thought bitterly.
As Jane approached the coast and saw the beautiful sea vista he thought back to his own home in Malibu overlooking the coast and his thoughts hardened at the prospect of meeting his nemesis. He would have to exercise all his legendary self restraint to play it cool and remember the endgame.
As Jane drew into the sweep of Mashburn's drive he switched back to his old conman mode, he would match Mashburn's urbanity determined not to give a flicker away. Jane tooted his horn as he pulled up, waving across to Mashburn who was reading some papers as he relaxed around the pool.
A brief look of surprise passed over Mashburn's face before he recovered his composure and sauntered over to greet Jane.
"Why Patrick what a surprise – to what to do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" He enquired.
"Just dropping the old jalopy off for a quick tune up later on Walter - thought I'd pop in on the off chance and show you what a proper car looks like." Jane quipped affably.
Mashburn looked at it appreciatively "Nice but a bit lacking in creature comforts don't you think?"
"Nonsense – who need gadgets this is real driving none of your new fangled doodahs" he said waving his hand dismissively.
"Doodah Patrick? – I can see you've not embraced technology, strange I always thought you had an interest in everything" Mashburn mused.
"Bah! People hide behind technology. Would Newton have had the same clarity of thought if he had been hunched over his laptop still formatting his spreadsheet? Would the genius and rigour of Bach have been realised if he had been playing with his synthesiser? No a man needs time to think and reflect Walter, to appreciate the wonders of life unplugged. You appear a cultured man Walter; you must switch off at times - what's your guilty pleasure opera, ballet, music?" Jane probed.
"Patrick, I'm a bit pushed for time let's see if this antique lives up to expectations" Mashburn said with a smile deflecting Jane's question with ease.
Damn he's good Jane thought, very good ...
Jane resisted the nagging thought of ending it here and now; no one would ever question an accident on the cliff road it could all be over in a flash, Mashburn would be gone forever. Jane grimly set his sights on the road ahead - one moment that's all it would take, he pushed the car to its limits then his instincts started to kick in, he owed it to Teresa to try and come through this. In retrospect perhaps he should have just left well alone but he could not regret his coming together with Teresa, though it was an added complication.
They sped round the coastal roads Mashburn cleared his throat "Hmm Patrick, I do believe there are speed limits round here."
"Come Walter where's your spirit of adventure?" Jane put his foot on the accelerator as the road straightened briefly before swinging the car round the next bend in the road, he could just see Mashburn's grip tightening slightly as the momentum of the car caused him to sway, his face betrayed no emotion not a flicker.
With a hint of a smile playing on his lips Mashburn taunted "Patrick - is this the best you can do maybe we should have come out in a proper car?"
Jane steeled himself and put his foot down taking his driving to the limits, one slip and it really would be all over, Mashburn remained unperturbed. Finally Jane swung into a cut out overlooking a spectacular drop braking sharply.
"So what do you think Walter – isn't she a little beauty?" he said smiling.
"Not bad Patrick, quite impressive" Mashburn drawled not batting an eyelid.
Jane was nonplussed Mashburn was either the best conman Jane had ever met or he was not the man Jane suspected he was. The doubts were starting to set in - he'd always liked Walter had he jumped to this conclusion in desperation? Was he making the facts fit his theory? Was Jane's jealousy clouding his judgement? Maybe Red John was someone they did not even know. He was no further forward, crap it was as clear as mud!
They took the leisurely route back chatting inconsequentially and planning ahead for the weekend. They had some refreshments around the pool, Jane was determined to make some headway before he left, although Mashburn was pointedly checking his watch.
Jane thought he could hear a faint tinkling in the background then he heard the unmistakable cry. "Roy are you back?" A woman appeared in the entrance - quite lovely dressed in a long flowing gown; it was Rosalind. Jane's heart sank at the implications of this - not only was he in trouble but he had imperilled Rosalind.
He saw a perceptible hitch in Mashburn's breathing before he recovered his composure - walking to meet her and gently placing a kiss on her cheek. "My dear you look wonderful, we have a visitor do you remember Patrick Jane?"
After a moment of confusion she said smiled in the direction of both of them. "Oh Patrick so you've finally met Roy, now you can believe me at last." Neither man was looking at her they stared at each other, Jane's loathing barely disguised whereas Mashburn had a distinct look of regret on his face.
"Ah well, I guess we've run out of time - tick tock Patrick. Sweet Rosalind I hope you'll excuse us, Patrick and I have some business to wrap up. I'll be with you shortly" he said gently.
As she left he said to Jane. "She is an angel so pure and unsullied" there was real intensity to his feelings.
Then he turned back to Jane with an almost apologetic look on his face "So Patrick, I'm afraid we have a problem..."
Cho guessed something was up when he saw Jane being led away by two of Mashburn's men, as he watched from a distance. He immediately called Lisbon. "We have a problem – Jane's in trouble."
"I know" she said.
"You know?" Cho queried.
"Yeah, I'm watching. Did you seriously think I was going to let him go off by himself? I'm on the ridge behind you, I'm coming down." Lisbon replied.
Cho kept watch looking for signs of action below as Lisbon descended the slippery slope.
"Don't worry I've run some interference to buy us some time. Just make sure no one leaves in the meantime." Lisbon said calmly.
After a few minutes the unmistakable sound of sirens could be heard in the distance and finally the CAL Fire engines could be seen hurtling towards the Mashburn mansion.
"Cho, quick follow them down." She jumped into Cho's car and they followed in hot pursuit their own siren blazing.
Cho admired her composure and quick thinking, they had a blanket of security with the fire fighters present.
Mashburn was remonstrating with the fire fighters when they pulled up, a look of resignation passed over his face when he saw Lisbon understanding what she had done.
Cho quickly flashed a badge making sure no one got a good look at it . "Special Agent Cho here, we're following up on a spate of false alarms. We've been tipped off one of the suspects is here a Patrick Jane. This is his car here, if you'll excuse me sir I have a warrant for his arrest and will go and fetch him." Cho rushed into the building gun at the ready.
The fire fighter's started to show signs of leaving so Lisbon rounded them up. "I'm sorry I'm going to have to take some statements, who's in charge here?"
Lisbon continued to buy them time until a handcuffed and very disgruntled looking Jane was led out by Cho. Lisbon wrapped the interview up and made her way over to Cho and Jane who were standing next to Mashburn.
"Put him in the car" she said tersely, nodding towards Jane's car. Jane was bundled unceremoniously into passenger seat. Keeping up the act Lisbon turned to Mashburn "I'm sorry for the inconvenience Sir, we'll be on our way."
Mashburn had a half amused look on his face now "Agent Lisbon, always a pleasure. I'm sure we'll meet again very shortly."
Mashburn turned to the house as they drove off knowing he had things to attend to before reinforcements arrived.
Jane winced as Lisbon crunched the gears of his new toy. "Clutch Lisbon, use the clutch. Or better still take these infernal handcuffs off me and I'll drive." He said grumpily.
"You'll be lucky if I ever take those off you, stop moaning. My car's up the road we'll stop there." She snapped back.
Jane rubbed his wrists after she removed the handcuffs. "He's got Rosalind, we can't just leave her."
"Cho's getting Abbott to alert WITSEC to see if they can send someone in, meanwhile they'll keep the place under surveillance to make sure he does not take her anywhere."
Jane suddenly winced as he felt a punch to his arm "Ouch, what's that for?"
"Driving like a maniac trying to get yourself killed, you can't be trusted." Lisbon said. "Honestly Jane did you have no thought for how I would feel if something happened to you?"
"You weren't supposed to be here" he responded sulkily.
"Well someone's got to look out for your sorry ass. Let's get back we need to regroup." Her exasperation was tinged with relief that no lasting harm was done.