Chapter 17 - The Reckoning
Lisbon knew how much was riding on this, so it didn't take long for her to pull herself together. Jane didn't need any distractions at this juncture. Although Mashburn's words about Jane's family would continue to haunt her, she had no intention of disclosing them to Jane. She relayed a brief summary of what had been said, it wasn't really pertinent to their plans but she knew Jane would want to have the conversation.
Lisbon saw Sam watching her closely, perhaps guessing that more had been said than Lisbon was letting on. Lisbon assured Jane that she was OK and he went back to the detailed planning. Sam sidled up to her and in an almost inaudible tone said "Well done Pepper - you handled that perfectly. If you need to talk just let me know."
It was just what Lisbon needed, Sam's gentle teasing and understanding helped relieve the stress.
After a quick change back to jeans and t-shirt Lisbon joined Jane at the planning desk, Jane just looked round and smiled at her before turning back to his work. They were back to being work partners; no niceties were required, they could revert to their normal working shorthand.
Jane was talking to a stylish blonde woman who was going to host the event; Lisbon noted they seemed to be old friends and her interest quirked at their connection.
"Chrissie Rooney, local daytime TV presenter - Jane helped her out of an embarrassing jam when she was just a kid, she owes him." Sam piped up.
"I'm guessing I don't want to ask too many questions about the people here."Lisbon commented. Sam just smiled knowingly.
The events staff had left for the day, so they were free to roam around the venue without fear of recognition. It was a real shame this iconic building with its row of arched windows topped with Doric columns had outlived its useful life. Constructed in the late nineteenth century; the interior reflected the grandeur of a bye gone era with panelled walls, elaborate mouldings and the pièce de résistance was the amazing stained glass dome at the raised end of the main hall. Sadly the building was creaking at the seams and with the price development land could fetch, refurbishment could not be justified.
The speaker's dais was centrally positioned underneath the dome and a screen had been set up on the stage to display the graphics. The dress rehearsal was in full flow with Chrissie confidently running through the scripted introductions and links. They ran through the video that Mashburn had supplied to check for timings and to select the correct sound settings. Needless to say the video was well put together with the somewhat triumphal music background rising to a crescendo near the end, the video was paused at this point while Jane and Pete compared notes, then the rehearsal was went back into full flow. Apparently it was Mashburn's intention to deliver his speech in synch with the video to produce a slick yet personal presentation.
Satisfied that everything was in hand, they returned to their base in an out of town motel to try and wind down for the evening. Jane knew it was unlikely he would sleep much that night, although neither he nor Lisbon would be in any danger the following day. Jane knew they had to see this through to a successful conclusion before Mashburn had the chance to turn his attentions back to them.
Jane was going through a whole range of emotions, the primary intention was to secure their safety but the old feelings of revenge were starting to surface again. He guessed Lisbon was withholding some of what had been said; but as Jane had witnessed his family's murder firsthand, he didn't really need any additional motivation. He smiled weakly at Lisbon as she bade him goodnight, she understood his need to be alone with his thoughts for a while.
Jane swallowed hard, closed his eyes and practiced his breathing techniques to try and reach a state of calm. It would be easy to get too hyped up and put the plan at risk, it was essential to keep his wits about him and be detached and unemotional for the next 24 hours.
When Lisbon woke the following morning, she wasn't surprised to find Jane still in the armchair deep in his thoughts; he looked up at her and smiled. Lisbon went over and gave him a quick peck on the top of his head; somehow it didn't feel appropriate on this day to do more than that.
Video links had been set up in a nearby office suite, where Lisbon could monitor and help co-ordinate events. Lisbon would be assisted by a rather unsavoury looking character Lennie, who apparently was a whizz with communications. Lisbon eyed him suspiciously, thinking he was just the sort of person she had interviewed on many an occasion.
The guests, a mix of Jane's extras and minor dignitaries who were happy to garner any publicity where ever they could find it, were welcomed into the auditorium and were offered canapés and refreshments prior to the main event.
They were ushered into their places as Chrissie got proceedings underway. Sam and Pete were in the hall as attendants, Danny Ruskin was present in the front row, dressed in a sober suit and wearing thick glasses and with his hair uncharacteristically styled to make him look more bookish and less like a punk.
Jane was well out of sight in disguise, it was essential he wasn't recognised, he reflected on the words of Sun Tzu. The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
After a few minor awards the keynote speaker was introduced and Mashburn strode confidently to the lectern, he was wearing his trademark turtleneck sweater - it was symbolic of his idiosyncratic laidback style.
"I was extremely honoured to be invited here today to encourage and hopefully motivate people to go for their dreams.
Have you ever wondered why, you just can't seem to get on in life despite the fact that you know so much about what it takes to succeed?
It's all very well attending seminars and coming away enthused then never putting what you've learned into practice, as the rigours of daily life intervene and the initial zeal dies down."
Mashburn turned to the screen as the presentation played in the background, he continued confidently speaking over the video as he described his version of how he had built his empire and the obstacles he had overcome. It was a confident and accomplished performance.
"You may have considered starting a business and have a sound business plan, but you find yourself unable to take the next step. Something holds you back.
Until you identify and deal with those issues you will never progress, you need to let go of blame, negativity and the excuses you fall back on and loosen those ties that are thwarting your ambitions.
Work out your vision and your purpose. Be clear on what you want in life."
The music started to reach its crescendo as the video culminated in a shot of a smiling Mashburn outside his flagship enterprise surrounded by his loyal staff.
There was a faint rumbling overhead and some dust seemed to be falling, then there was the unmistakable sound of creaking seconds before the glass dome started to disintegrate. Unable to react in time, Mashburn was showered in breaking glass and falling debris, though shocked and injured he was able to make his way to the side before the lot came tumbling down, he was bleeding profusely having been punctured by the falling shards.
A small charge had been activated causing the dome to become unstable and disintegrate; the sound was muffled by the rousing music and was inaudible to all those in the audience.
Chrissie swiftly took control asking whether there was a Doctor in the house and Danny rushed forward to assist accompanied by the duty first aiders. The ushers quickly evacuated the building to get everyone to safety.
The paramedics quickly appeared on the scene and Mashburn was taken down to the private ambulance accompanied by the Doctor, just in time to evade the glare of the arriving media pack. Though none of Mashburn's wounds were individually life threatening, he was bleeding profusely through his many cuts and was haemorrhaging at an alarming rate.
Mashburn was still in shock and had not taken in much about his carers, so he wasn't prepared when the man in the blue uniform removed his cap and glasses before turning round. After the initial surprise he gave a wry smile "Patrick, I should have guessed."
Mashburn steadied himself and tried to control his breathing to get his heart rate down, while Jane viewed him impassively.
"Walter let me introduce you to Danny Ruskin, my wife's brother. He particularly wanted to be here, after all revenge is a dish best served cold."
Mashburn showed considerable composure, accepting matters were beyond his control. "So Patrick this is it. I'm sure you have things you want to ask me."
"Actually Walter, I think we pretty much know most of it by now. Your father John was a haemophiliac who died as a result of slitting his wrists, you parents had a tumultuous relationship, your father was driven to the brink by your mother's repeated infidelity.
Incidentally did your mother let him die or was it too late when she found him? I'm guessing the former, it might explain why most of your victims are female. You saw your father's body pooled in his own blood, your mother didn't even bother to shield you from the scene. You were strangely fascinated by the scene it didn't seem real to you - the whole concept of death, you wondered what it would be like to see it yourself."
Jane paused briefly to assess Mashburn's reaction. "Was it curiosity, revenge or just the thrill of the act that got you started?"
"Congratulations Patrick. You have done your homework. You're right she could have saved him, he didn't deserve that, he may not have been the most dynamic man but my whore of a mother drove him to the edge." Mashburn acknowledged.
"I guess that explains how your alter ego got his name. Haemophilia runs in the male line but the treatments today are much better especially for a billionaire with his own private medical team. However if an oral NOAC anticoagulant were administered, this would negate any treatments and there are currently no specific antidotes to reverse the anticoagulation effects in the event of major bleeding." Jane watched dispassionately as Mashburn took in the facts.
"Ah Teresa - that explains everything. The wine?" Mashburn queried, he was getting paler by the minute as his blood slowly seeped away. Jane just nodded in confirmation.
"Starting to feel faint now are you? I must admit you are pale Walter. What is it like, death by a thousand cuts? Is this the ultimate thrill the one thing you can't control - what's it like finally feeling it for yourself?" Jane coldly taunted.
Mashburn smiled. "Bravo Patrick, what a fitting revenge. I assume we are taking the long way to the hospital?"
Jane shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say, the traffic is appalling - apparently there are some road blocks ahead."
Mashburn felt the need for some explanation."I knew sooner or later that you would realise McAllister was not Red John. Ironically I was more interested in the power and opportunities that Blake afforded rather than Red John per se - Red John was a useful tool but I let others do the killing, with a few exceptions of course. Patrick, you were an interesting and challenging adversary, it can't have escaped your notice how similar we are in many respects?"
Jane chose to ignore that and pressed ahead."Tell me, who else knew you were Red John?"
"Ah curious now. The orders came down from Visualise, Stiles was the only one who knew for sure. I had incriminating evidence on his involvement in Timothy Farraguts's death, I could have nailed him at any time. Stiles played no active role in either Blake or any of the murders. I would send instructions to Stiles in sealed envelopes to pass on to Bertram and McAllister - I dare say they thought Stiles was Red John. I wanted to move on and put this behind me and Stiles was the only one who could identify me, so he had to go."
Mashburn was starting to fade quickly as he bled out.
Jane had one more question for him. "Rosalind, give me the key to free her. I know you care about her, release her." Mashburn motioned Jane towards him and whispered in his ear.
Mashburn was slipping into unconsciousness as they approached the hospital, they would deliver him to the hospital and leave them to deal with the aftermath. He was duly presented to the emergency teams with all the correct paperwork by two paramedics in Jane's employ.
Jane and Danny did not need to see it through to the end, they knew Mashburn's fate was sealed and they needed to get away unnoticed. They made their way to the getaway car and turned on the radio to hear the breaking news that Billionaire Walter Mashburn had died following a tragic accident.
Jane just sent Lisbon a quick text "It's over, I have things to sort with Danny. Will talk soon."
They stood in front of the graves at the Alexandria cemetery, both men united in their silent grief. Inevitably it was Danny that broke the silence. "Damned allergies" he said, wiping his red eyes. Jane ruffled his hair affectionately, his own eyes were decidedly watery.
"So Angie it's done, I dare say you wouldn't approve of what I've done but I had no choice." Jane said in a faltering voice.
Jane slipped his ring off his finger and buried it at the base of the stone for eternity. Danny could no longer watch as his emotions finally got the better of him and he walked away.
Jane knew it was irrational but he spoke to them nevertheless."I'll always love you and Charlotte but I know you would want me to move on and you would both like Teresa. She keeps me under control, calls me out on my faults." He kissed his hand then lay his fingers down gently on each headstone in turn before saying his final goodbyes and walking towards Danny. He slipped his arm over his shoulder. "Alright Danny?"
Danny nodded. "Who knew a trip to the cemetery would be such a downer."
They both smiled recalling the last time he had said that phrase.
"Danny, I need to see Teresa now but hang around for a while, I have something to sort out with you before you go." Jane said.
Jane breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Lisbon, it had been important to keep her out of harm's way. Although the drugs wouldn't have as much effect on her and would soon wear off, it would have been unwise for her to sustain an injury.
Guessing the inner turmoil he must be experiencing, she just smiled and let him lead. Jane silently pulled her to him breathing deeply as he buried his face in her hair. He could feel her heart beating and was comforted to be at one with her at this moment. She instinctively knew the right thing to do.
Pete and Sam watched on, Sam squeezed Pete's hand "Don't worry Pete, he's in safe hands. She'll give him some space to deal with this. They'll be just fine."
Lisbon had noted the missing ring but chose to let that go for now. After a night of soothing words and comfort, Lisbon said "Patrick if you need to go away for a few days and get some closure, just do it. I'll be waiting and hopefully we've got the rest of our lives together, so a few days now won't make any difference."
Jane smiled gratefully at her. "I could do with going to Malibu sort things out, I would take Danny with me - are you sure you don't mind?"
"No. Take as long as you need, I'll probably visit Grace for a few days - she must be almost due now and we owe her a huge favour." Lisbon replied reassuringly.
"You're one in a million Teresa, have I told you how much I love you?"
"Once or twice but it's always nice to hear." She replied contently.
Jane and Danny surveyed the scene of the remains of the house at Malibu, Jane had come to collect his final belongings and he had something else to do.
"Danny, this was Angie and Charlotte's home and it wouldn't feel right anyone else living here. I know Angela would like you to have this, you can sell it as it is or have it demolished it's entirely up to you. This is the last time I will be coming here, so it makes no difference to me.
Danny in deference to Angela don't blow it on some crack pot scheme, use it to make a new life for yourself. Hell, you could turn over a new leaf and become a pillar of society. She would love that and if anything good could come out of this whole miserable situation that would be the perfect outcome."
Jane passed Danny the title documents and the keys."It's all legal, you just have to sign and it's yours."
Danny was overwhelmed. "What about you and Teresa, surely you could use the money to set up together."
Jane shook his head. "It wouldn't feel right and I know Teresa wouldn't want it."
"I don't know what to say Bro." Danny sniffed. "Damned allergies, must be the time of year."
It all seemed a bit flat, Red John was finally dead. It had all been rather impersonal in the end but at least Jane and Lisbon could walk away from this. Whatever people suspected, it would be nigh on impossible to prove the connection to them. In the end Lisbon had come round to his way of thinking, Mashburn had to be stopped. She had crossed the line that he knew would preclude her from direct involvement with law enforcement again. No doubt a court of law would see matters differently, but Jane felt entirely justified in their actions, however cold and calculating they had been.
Jane collected his remaining possessions; each one had a memory attached to them, inevitably he had to pare them down to the most significant items photographs, music scores of the pieces Charlotte and Angela played together, Charlotte's gown for the christening that Angela had insisted on. They were all happy memories he would carry with him. Although the sadness would always be with him, he was finally able to look back at the good times they had shared together and celebrate their brief lives.
Jane slowly made his way back up to the coast to meet with Lisbon, unsure how their future would pan out. He hadn't dared to plan ahead while Mashburn was alive; it would have been too cruel to have it all snatched away from him. So there was no great master plan, they were just going to have to do what felt right. There would probably be some heated discussions about that from time to time, as no doubt Lisbon would have her own views on that.
A/N I did warn you it would be convoluted – probably pays not to be over analytic about it.
Just a short epilogue to go then I can put this to bed and catch up on some much needed sleep.