Chapter 16 - Skeletons

Sam had moved her RV over and parked up next to the Airstream so that Lisbon wasn't alone but Lisbon was still a bit reticent about making new friends and opening up to people.

Sam was a wily old soul and didn't try and intrude too much, she just stayed on hand for light chat and company. Lisbon needed some warmer clothes as the Airstream was cold at night without her Jane shaped duvet, so she asked Sam to take her to nearby town and found some unappealing but warm pyjamas that were just the ticket - even if they weren't her chosen attire .

Although it was secluded the site still had a basic internet connection, so that Lisbon and Sam were able to start on some of the background work Jane had left for them. Sam proved to be an able and efficient operator, Lisbon felt guilty that she had prejudged her by virtue of her lifestyle.

"I wasn't born to this life" Sam volunteered. "I met Pete not long after he lost his first wife in an accident. He was unlike anyone else I had ever met; he's a gentle giant but he's so kind and understanding that he makes you feel safe. I'd been working in dead end office jobs for a few years; I'd had little education apart from the school of hard knocks but was always eager to learn. I tried to keep working but as Pete and I got serious I had to make a choice and I chose Pete and life on the road. I still fall back on the office skills when we are holed up for the winter months and cash is tight, so I've made a point of keeping my IT skills up to date."

"How long have you been together" Lisbon ventured uncertainly, not wishing to pry in case she was expected to reciprocate the soul baring.

"Over 25 years now, Paddy was in his teens then. We soon became great friends; he was a real enigma on one hand an abrasive know-all but away from the limelight he was more reflective and more than a little bit sad. He'd lost his mother some years before and Alex was a poor father, so Pete and I would keep an eye out for him make sure he had food in his belly and keep him out of Alex's way when he'd had a skin full of liquor - Alex was one mean drunk. Alex knew better than to mark Paddy's face but sometimes you could still see marks on him after he had fallen foul of Alex's temper. Paddy never fought back even when he was almost as big as Alex; he hated physical violence and because Alex was his father Paddy still felt some loyalty to him.

The carnies don't like to stick their noses into other people's business but Pete was real fond of Paddy and could see Alex was getting greedier and meaner and Paddy was starting to withdraw into his shell. Finally Alex overstepped the mark and Pete snapped, he gave Alex a taste of his own medicine. Alex never laid a hand on Paddy again, his physical assaults were soon replaced by verbal tongue lashings that cut to the quick and completely destroyed the remnants of their relationship."

Sam paused to take in Lisbon's reaction. "You can ask me about her you know - I think Paddy is expecting it and it may be easier than talking to Paddy about it."

"Patrick rarely talks about his family and I don't really like to ask. It would be hypocritical as I'm not a sharer, prefer to keep things to myself" Lisbon admitted."I hadn't realised at first that Angela was a Carnie as well - he said her family ran big metal and were like Carnie royalty."

Sam nodded. "I don't know the history myself but the Ruskins had status amongst the Carnies. Angela was quite a catch for Paddy, I don't think her parents exactly approved of him and thought she could do better. She was an attractive girl, long light brown hair but she was very self contained, not remotely flashy - not actually the type you would think Paddy would go for. I personally found her hard to warm to she was a bit aloof, you had the feeling she thought herself above the rest of us but there was no doubting she and Paddy were head over heels in love and we were glad for him. In different circumstances it may have fizzled out but Paddy was sick of Alex's antics and the Ruskins were trying to separate them, so eventually they took the plunge and ran away together, she was 17 and he was 18 and they hadn't got a clue how to live in the outside world.

Pete sought them out and scraped together some cash to help them set up home in a cheap studio and he kept an eye out for them. He loved Paddy like a son and neither the Janes nor Ruskins wanted anything to do with them. They took any work they could; Angela taught piano and waitressed while Paddy built up his act, they got by for a few years and eventually as he honed his act he started to hit the big time and earn some serious money, not long after that Charlotte was born and they started to live a life of luxury in Malibu.

We tried to keep in touch as much as we could and Paddy would come out to us when we were in the area - I got the feeling Angela tried to keep their past life separate from their new life. You know Paddy, he can mix with anyone - he was always the same with us but as he got more and more successful our paths crossed less often and by time tragedy struck we hadn't seen him for 18 months."

Lisbon felt awkward intruding into Jane's former life but couldn't stop herself. "The first time I met Patrick he was a dishevelled shell of a man, it took him a while to admit he had been in hospitalised for his own safety. He was deeply ashamed of it, though God knows why - did you see him after it had happened?"

"We learned about it on the news, Pete went straight over but Paddy was in a real mess, he held himself together for the funerals but then he fell to pieces. They wouldn't let Pete see him in hospital - he wasn't a blood relative and Paddy was so far gone he couldn't vouch for him. We left notes to let him know he wasn't alone but we don't know whether he got them or not. We had a short letter from him when he came out but never heard any more from him until that day you came over in pursuit of Danny. I guess he was just too ashamed to see us."

"What about Alex?" Lisbon asked.

" A distant speck on the horizon - he had left our show and gone over to the east coast circuit. I can't say he was missed. If he knew about Paddy he certainly made no effort to contact him" Sam responded.

"The first time I saw him and Pete together I could see that there was a bond. He'd been so lonely punishing himself, he wouldn't let anyone get close to him although we were the very best of friends he always held something in reserve. It was only after his last breakdown that we finally got together. Oh Crap...I probably shouldn't have said that." Lisbon was racked with guilt that she may have betrayed Jane's confidence.

" I can see why he likes you Missy" Sam smiled. "Don't worry he told Pete all about it. He thinks the world of you - I seriously doubted he would feel that way again but believe me he is as loyal as they come and is determined to make this work."

Lisbon awkwardly muttered her thanks before returning to her appointed task.

Jane and Pete returned the following night, Jane eyed Lisbon warily knowing he would have been the main topic of discussion. They decided to eat alone that night as they wanted some time with just the two of them, Lisbon had slipped into something more comfortable.

"I believe It's customary to wear fewer not more clothes when your beloved returns." Jane said amusedly looking at her rather snugly PJ's.

"Well that depends whether your beloved has left you in the back end of beyond in a freezing tin can - now if this had been a high class hotel with heating who knows what I would be wearing." She archly replied.

"Been bonding with Samantha?" he asked warily.

"Oh yes!" Lisbon smirked letting him stew for a while. "A very interesting woman and a mine of information."

"I bet. The skeletons all escaped from the closet did they?" He asked with some trepidation.

Lisbon just smiled enigmatically. "So how was your day dear?"

"Just peachy" he replied. Jane reflected it had probably done him a favour if Sam had sated Lisbon's curiosity, they always found conversations about his past difficult.

Pete and Jane had a busy few days going over the venue site, Pete was a jack of all trades and had contacts all over the state and soon had everything in hand. Jane was keeping out of sight as much as possible donning overalls and a cap coupled with thick glasses when he had to make a personal visit. His three day stubble was starting to transform his erstwhile urbane appearance, he was a chameleon fitting in seamlessly with the rest of the crew.

Danny Ruskin was running the events office, he enjoyed the long con and fell naturally into the role under his assumed name. Perhaps more serious than usual and taking less risks as Jane had drummed it into Danny that this had to appear authentic there was no room for showmanship.

After a few abortive attempts to get past Mashburn's PA they finally had finally enlisted Mashburn's support for the event. With typical cheek Danny had even got Mashburn to contribute to the awards fund. There was a delicious irony in having him help fund his own downfall that both Danny and Jane relished.

Finally everything was on track so Jane decided it was time to walk Lisbon through her role.

"You're probably wondering why I need you to meet face to face with Mashburn." Jane started.

"Well I can't say I would have chosen to do so but I'm game if you think it's necessary." Lisbon responded warily.

"OK. This has to be a face to face meeting because I need you to ensure Mashburn ingests a slow acting drug at least 24 hours before the event. You will have to play it cool and play with him for a while to make sure he takes the bait. I'll plant people on the adjoining tables so nothing can happen to you. I promise, you will be completely safe. You know I wouldn't put you in danger Teresa, especially not now."

Jane filled her in with the rest of the plan for the meal and the event the following day. Lisbon went quiet as she realised the implications of what they were doing but she accepted they had to take matters into their own hands as Mashburn had such a tight grip on law enforcement.

They made their way back to Sacramento the morning of the meeting, Teresa had arranged to meet Mashburn for lunch at one of the upmarket restaurants by the State Buildings.

Jane had picked out a classic well cut sheath for Lisbon with a Bardot neckline that skimmed her body without clinging - the neckline bringing attention to her décolletage without being unduly revealing. Her hair was casually pulled back into a loose knot letting tendrils fall around her face - he didn't want her to look over groomed he just wanted to let her natural beauty shine. Jane looked approvingly at her. "You'll do fine Teresa just don't bite when he taunts you, play it cool you know what the endgame is. Remember we'll be all around you so he can't do anything and we'll listen in as long as we can." He gave her an encouraging hug before she departed.

Lisbon was waiting for Mashburn in the restaurant when he arrived, taking control of the seating arrangements to her advantage. "Why Teresa always a pleasure to see you, though I confess I was surprised to hear from you." Mashburn looked her over appreciatively.

"Walter I must say the pleasure is entirely yours, please take a seat" Lisbon replied sarcastically.

When the waiter came over Lisbon took control before Mashburn could say anything. "Walter, I must insist this is my treat after all I asked you out."

"How very liberated of you Teresa." Mashburn said sardonically.

"Well you know I like to be in control." she drawled.

They placed their order and Lisbon ordered some Sine Qua Non Papa Syrah to go with the meal. Mashburn nodded in approval. "Nice choice - I looked at buying the vineyard once, to try something different for a change. Anyhow Teresa lovely as it is to see you, I am intrigued by your invitation." He leant forward scanning her face while trying to weigh up the situation. "It's such a shame Patrick could not join us but I've no doubt he will be here in spirit if not in person. I hope you don't mind if we make this more intimate." He glanced around the room then slipped his hand into his pocket and put a small device on to the table, then switched it on."That's better now we can talk in private. Frequency jammer " he said in response to Lisbon's quizzical look.

They continued to talk as the wine and food were served, Jane had half expected Mashburn to pull a stunt like that but it didn't really make any difference one way or another to their plan.

"So Teresa that was quite some show you put on a few weeks ago – you don't look too worse for wear now. You always were a firecracker from what I remember – you sure knew how to put those handcuffs to good use." Mashburn smirked as he saw Lisbon's discomfiture. Lisbon was glad Jane couldn't listen in at this point.

"Oh come on Teresa that was always a happy little memory for me – Patrick sending you to my arms such a delicious irony as well. Not too late for one for the road Teresa." He raised an eyebrow and leant forward seductively saying her name slowly and brushing her cheek with a kiss. "Umm you always did smell so nice and your skin was soft and pale such a shame I had to jet off at that time."

"We all make mistakes Walter and that was certainly one of mine."Lisbon said without humour.

"You didn't seem to think so at the time, in fact you were distinctly enthusiastic. When the time comes you may want to reconsider your position." Mashburn ventured.

"Never in a million years Walter." Mashburn was beginning to creep her out but she maintained her composed veneer.

"Such a shame Teresa, I really was quite fond of you and Patrick but you would never let it go." He ran his fingers across the back of her hand keeping eye contact with her.

"So what are your plans Walter?"Lisbon quirked her eyebrow inquisitively.

"That rather depends on you and Patrick – I take it an honourable draw is out of the question?" Mashburn teased enjoying leading Lisbon on.

Lisbon looked at him and coldly replied. "I don't think that option has ever been on the table – certainly not for Patrick."

"Oh well can't blame me for trying, believe me it's much more palatable than the alternative Teresa."

"So what do you have planned for me Walter, a bold statement or something more subtle?"

"You really want to know Teresa?" He leant into her with a curl of a smile on his lips.

"Always like to plan ahead." She returned his look without flinching.

"Let's just say I hope you like red." Mashburn stretched back in his chair looking at her over the top of his wine glass.

"I always find that green suits me better, matches my eyes I'm told. So do you like to watch Walter – see the life drain away or is it the pain and fear you enjoy?" She toyed with her wine glass before looking back across the table at him.

"It's been quite some time actually, Patrick's wife was one of my last. You cannot imagine her horror when I explained that it was all Patrick's fault, she begged for her child to be saved. It's amazing what resistance people find in situations like that even someone as gentle as her. I took my time slowly deepening the cuts watching the colour drain from her until eventually she accepted the inevitable. So different from you Teresa, gentle yet dignified – surprising that Patrick could love such different women. I'm sure you'll be feisty when the time comes, it will be quite exhilarating I do love a challenge – I do hope Patrick is around to watch."

Mashburn leant over stroking her neck. "Mmmm I normally find this is a good place to start" running his finger slowly along her collar bone before withdrawing it with a smirk as he felt her shudder "Sure you don't want to reconsider Teresa?"

"You're lucky Patrick can't hear or he would pull you apart with his bare hands." Lisbon said with venom.

Mashburn smiled and took her hand and kissed it before turning it over and slowly rubbing her pulse point then he looked up at her. "No not there too fast, no fun in that." then placed kisses along her arm before rubbing his thumb higher up her arm. "Better here, I find it helps if there's more flesh." He nonchalantly leaned back in his seat enjoying the effect his words had on her.

"You sadistic pervert" she hissed at him.

She took a large gulp of her wine and watched as Mashburn pushed his empty glass across the table then stood up. "Must go Teresa - see you again soon. We won't leave it so long next time. Send my love to Patrick." He gave her another lascivious look before making his way out.

Lisbon didn't care what it took, they were going to nail the bastard.

Lisbon's composure was starting to crack so she made her way out to Jane as quickly as possible. Jane could see how shaken she was and he would talk her down later but first he needed to know if their plan had worked.

"Teresa sweetheart just tell me - did he take it?" He asked softly.

She nodded."Two glasses."

"Good that should be enough, now let's get you well away from here." He pulled her to him and ushered her away to the waiting car.

A/N - As has been pointed out I've proffered no logical explanation for Lisbon meeting Mashburn without alerting his suspicions, it's just a device to lead on to the next chapter. You may need to suspend your logic from this point on it may get a bit convoluted.