Chapter 6

Carlton had been talking for the greater part of 15 minutes going over his concerns, doubts, and most importantly how by continuing to utilize Shawn as a Psychic consultant when he is not is just wrong. As he is essentially lying to the police and therefore probably only getting results through illegal means which most certainly disrupts the chain of command/evidence. This in turn could lead to several previous cases being overturned and even appealed causing for several criminals of varying degrees to return back into the streets.

For his part Doctor Lightman understood. He understood how frustrating it was having to work with someone you couldn't trust. With having to depend on new people. He could understand. He worked with several different people both through his work in the Lightman group and through his extracurricular assignments. He's had to deal with Reynolds who consistently sided against him well Reynolds kept him in check and he is starting to see it now. But having someone who's loyalties lied solely with the FBI who his never had the best relationship with is irritating at best.

He had to deal with Foster and well she wasn't much of a problem but having become close it was hard to keep lying and keep those pesky little boundaries she kept building up around her. Especially the ones that blinded her to her husband.

He had to deal with Zoe and Emily and Loker and Torres and so many others. So he can most definitely say he understood.

He also understood that the work that the police did was important and while Shawn Spencer was most definitely lying through his teeth, he did decent work and is part of the high conviction rate and closing of cases that the SBPD has been having.

"Detective, unfortunately when I came in. I was under the impression of only helping the DA by making sure that everything involving the Bainsworth case is above board. So far nothing has shown otherwise but I still need to look over the books with my team. While the idea of discovering how much truth there is in the art of psychic's, I'm not particularly a believer in that sort of field. I'll make sure to make any notes regarding Mr. Spencer's gift to the Chief."

Lassiter seemed a bit uptight but nodded and thanked Dr. Lightman before making himself scarce. His mind so preoccupied that he missed the figure hiding behind one of the vending machines. On the opposite side of the staircase.

Dr. Lightman, however, while eager to go upstairs and enjoy whatever food Torres managed to get on short notice with his team wasn't as unobservant as to miss the psychic who was avoiding eye contact. Cal stared at him for a second looking at his stance. He obviously knew he'd been made but was still unsure of how to act.

Cal was about to leave and was all but taking his first step to round the corner and head back up when Shawn finally spoke up.

"Hi. So uhh you were talking to Lassie. You know he's umm well he's a good guy, a real pain but uh we've never really seen eye to eye."

"Detective Lassiter seems a bit…" Cal trailed off not sure were exactly to go with the description, but it seemed Shawn knew exactly what he meant by his smile.

"Look I know I could try and read you and maybe even give you a demonstration, but you already know don't you?" The psychic whispered his eyes showing just a tiny smidge of fear at the possibility of being outed. Honestly Shawn could care less about the consequences. He cared more about how he would no longer be able to play this cat and mouse game anymore. He loved being a detective and helping people it was fun and although he'd never admit it to his father, it was what he was always meant to do if he had applied himself from the start instead of deciding to go off and be a vagabond picking up odd jobs wherever he went on his bike.

"Look Mr. Lightman. Dr. Lightman. I mean. I know you don't owe me anything. And you'd be well within your rights to tell the Chief everything. But can you at least give me a chance and hear me out. I never thought I'd be a psychic. I really didn't, but it just happened. Please."

Cal sighed he could read every emotion and while he was definitely serious he also didn't care. All he wanted was to go and eat and just… "Alright. You have ten minutes. After that, I am going upstairs to enjoy my Lunch."

Shawn thanked him and then pulled him into an abandoned janitorial supply closet. Cal tried to give himself as much space as he could as he listened to the psychic consultant. He heard about how he used to call in tips to help out in police cases till one day he was called in as a suspect. He also heard how through his quick thinking he lied to the police and used the skills and training that his father gave him to solve crimes his way. At first for fun, but then to make an actual difference… and also for fun. Shawn recounted so many important cases that seemed to have run their course only for him to see the missing link and help the SBPD solve it. Through it all Cal listened and observed and watched and under all the emotions underneath the surface he knew he was hearing the truth.

"So that's it. That's my ten minutes."

"Listen Shawn. Your story, while intriguing and I suppose admirable, is still based on lies. Now as I told Detective Lassiter, I came here to do a job. My team and I are close to finishing that job and after that whatever I report to the DA and the Chief is just taking it a step further." Dr. Lightman opened the closet door and stepped out, finally making his way up the steps. Going away from Shawn who sighed and took a seat in the closet putting his head in his hands.

The case took another two days to truly wrap up. The Lightman Group spent the rest of their second day holed up at the DA's office going over every piece of footage and audio they had along with any notes. They also collaboratively explained to the DA what he needed to do to ensure he won the case. Gillian and Cal also discussed what to do with a certain psychic.

"Did you know the truth before he told you?"

"Of course I did."

"Oh Cal you're such a liar."

"Oi! I am not. Alright it was more off of my own assumption or intuition and I was right wasn't I? Sure, he's good. Torres missed some key expressions and misdirects due to her inexperience, but I caught it. He is quite good at keeping secrets. I am sure he would even fool a lying detector, but come on love, this is my life's work we're talking about."

"But you didn't actually know. Not really."

Cal sighed, sure he could go off and say he was 99.9999% sure that Shawn Spencer was a fake but even that .00001% was enough for plausible deniability? Wasn't it? Even though he has worked so hard to master his craft there is still the unpredictability that comes when working with human subjects. People are always capable of surprising you. So whether that .00001 was a margin of error or actual truth it could also be a speck. A speck that could be so, very much more than just a speck.

"It doesn't really matter now does it, sweetheart. He told me himself he isn't. There isn't any particular rules on how to report fake psychics is there? We can report him under fraud most likely but…"

"There's something about him?"

"You didn't even meet him?"

"No but I saw the interviews. I've heard him speak and seen him interact with his work partner at the police department. He doesn't seem mad or insane… well not completely. I do see some signs of narcissism but nothing screaming pathological or Machiavellian. If anything he knows he is lying but from what you told me he doesn't get a kick from tricking people. This isn't a long con for him Cal. Maybe in the beginning it was to avoid jail time, but if that was the case why keep helping the police. He helps people and I think he may also want to settle down. Some stability. His file mentioned traveling and working so many different occupation sometimes even changing jobs in a matter of days. Working for the SBPD has definitely changed him."

"If it was me? If I was a fraud would you report me to the Feds? That was what they originally wanted; to prove me mad."

"Not entirely. And anyway I didn't because you aren't and what we do as much as others don't understand is as much as a real science as physics or algebra."

"We have come a long way. You still haven't answered. If I ever did anything fraudulent would you turn me in."

"Cal. You are a smart man. I don't think I need to answer that question. Besides I am sure you'd take care of it and be long gone before anyone caught wind of it."

"You'd think so wouldn't you?"

"What about me? If I did anything not so legal would you turn me in."

Lightman smiled, "Oh absolutely."

On the final day, Dr. Lightman and Foster along with Detectives Lassiter and O'Hara appeared in court, but after the DA went over everything and presented their evidence to the judge all the four of them had to do was be sworn in and confirm under oath that everything they discovered was done correctly and that Ryan Bainsworth was indeed innocent and that the duo assassins should be charged with 20 to life with no chance of parole.

To say the DA was happy with the turn out of the case was an understatement, but with everything going smoothly considering just how wrong everything could have gone was a relief. The DA thanked the Lightman Group and the SBPD and went on his way leaving them outside the courthouse.

"That went well. Thank you again as well, Dr. Lightman and of course you too Dr. Foster." Juliet spoke smiling at the duo standing next to her partner. Several pleasantries going back and forth between both pairs.

"We should be heading back to the Police Department to pick up the others and the rest of our things." Gilian told the detectives guiding Cal to their rental car where Reynolds was already waiting in the driver's seat.

"I call Shotgun, love."

Gill sighed with no actual malice and got into the back choosing to look out the window on their drive back.

"Oh Cal can't we stay one more day. I know Em' really wants to go to the beach and Torres and I can take her shopping too. You can also go snorkeling with Loker."

Lightman laughed, "There's is no way on this earth that I would go snorkeling with Loker."

Foster pouted making sure he could see her through the rearview mirror.

"Alright Gill. One more day. But we leave tomorrow first thing."

Gill nodded, "I'll make sure the jet is ready by 10:00am."

"Why do I have a feeling it already is."

Gillian didn't say anything and tried to keep her face and posture composed by staring out the window but it was enough of a tell to Cal than her obvious obsession and love for chocolate pudding.

Agent Reynolds drew both of their attention by clearing his throat as he brought the car into the police station and parked.

"I'll keep it running." Reynolds said as he stepped out of the car to open Foster's door.

"Thank you. We'll try not to take long just have to fill the Chief in with what we found and then say our goodbyes."

"Loker and Torres should be out soon with our things to keep you company."

...

"Well thank you both as well as the rest of your team for the help. The DA called and he is very happy with how this case went. Your team is welcome any time." Chief Vick told the couple once they went over everything again. "Detective Lassiter also mentioned that you wanted to go over something regarding our consultants?"

Foster nodded looking at Lightman as she spoke, "They are a bit unorthodox."

"Yes. That is a bit of an understatement." The chief said a small knowing smile on her face, "Be that as it may their help while different has become a bit common and useful."

"We definitely have seen that. We looked up some of the previous cases that Psych has consulted in. With that in mind it's still a bit otherworldly I suppose using psychics. There isn't many in D.C."

"It can be. So what was it about them that you wanted to mention?"

"Shawn why are we here. We should stick as far away from here as possible if things go… well you know. Gosh Shawn do you think we need a lawyer?" Gus whispered.

"Gus we don't need a lawyer. I have a good feeling… I'm also weaning off a sugar high, but still. In cases like this it's best to continue as usual." Shawn said spotting Jules and Lassie drinking coffee by their desks chatting. "On that note, I'll be right back."

He walked towards the detectives smiling brightly at Jules and wrapping an arm around Lasiter's shoulders. "Hey Jules, mind if I take Lassie out. Not like on a date, although he should count himself lucky. Anyway Lassie let's go. You need some walkies."

Shawn took the cup from Carlton and placed it on the desk than guided the bewildered detective.

"Spencer! What are you doing? I am not a dog and I don't nee-"

Shawn rounded him into a break room in the right view of the chief's office. "Yeah sorry 'bout that, but seriously what is your deal with me. I know you don't like me, but I don't have to be a psychic, which I am by the way, to know what you called the lightbulb group here for."

Lassiter crossed his arms, "So that's what this is about. What has your cage been rattled Spencer? Why would that be? Huh? Maybe cause this charade of yours is finally coming to an end?"

Shawn had just managed to have the right amount of outrage on his face before he laughed at first with humor and then just a tad bit maniacal. "Listen Lassie. If anything this doesn't have me rattled. It has me pissed. I have no idea why you have it so out for me? WHY! Why can't you just let this go. Haven't I proven myself enough."

"NO! You haven't. Psychics aren't real! They just aren't."

"They are so!"

"Are not."

"Are so."

"No."

"Yup they are." Shawn said doing his best to look at the chief and Lightman talk.

"Are not."

"Are so." Shawn couldn't quite tell what exactly they were talking about but the chef didn't look like she heard any shocking news that would lead to him being fired.

"Not."

"So." He also was starting to hear the irritation in Lassie's voice and knew he couldn't keep up this back and forth for much longer.

"Are not."

"Are so."

"Not."

And as Shawn saw Foster and Lightman saying goodbye and heading out of the chief's office he knew it was time to wrap up.

"Look we can go back and forth all you want but-"

"Your days of working for this department will soon be over, Spencer. Say goodbye to your clearance at crime sites because there is no way you are going to be helping on cases any further."

That shut Shawn up quite fast. The detective shook his head about to leave before the psychic finally found what he wanted to say.

"Look Carlton, I am sorry. I am. For whatever I did. But I have been on your side! Or did you forget that you came to me when you were set up for muuuurrrrrder? Huh. Or how about when your car was stolen huh buddy. Who helped you then? Sure it didn't go all according to plan but it worked out in the end. Right. I have done what I can to show you that I am not the bad guy. I'm done. Either my gift is only good enough to help when you need it. But when it isn't you just can't take it huh. I didn't ask to be like this." Shawn finished his speech and pushed past Lassiter heading back towards Gus.

"We should go now man. Let's get some smoothies." Shawn told his best friend as they exited the police department leaving the detective to look after him.

The Lightman group had just finished saying their goodbyes to the SBPD and Loker and Torres had already finished packing up the van which the duo would drive to the airport before rejoining the team later. Foster and Cal were waiting by the car and waiting for Emily, who had just finished saying goodbye to all the other officers who had kept her company. She had just finished saying goodbye to Dobson and was talking to Officer McNab.

"Thanks so much, Officer Buzz. I had a great time and I learned a lot too."

Officer McNab smiled inside and well outside he was a big softie, and he had no problems showing it. "Aw thanks Emily. Me too, I also have your father's book to go deeper into what you were telling me on interrogation tactics. We have our own of course, but being able to know even a smidge of what your father's team does will be a great help for me. I know it."

"It will! I know you'll be a lead detective one day."

Gillian couldn't help but smile at the interaction for both her and Cal who was impatient and irritated by the Santa Barbara heat, that he was already going to cut in on the farewells and best wishes.

"Em! We have to go."

Emily sighed making a face to her dad before turning back to McNab and saying one more goodbye before heading towards the car with Reynolds.

Juliet was at her desk when Lassiter came out of the Chiefs office. Karen had taken both of her detectives and thanked them for a job well done. After Juliet was excused the chief also informed Carlton of the Lightman Group's overall evaluation of their consultants. Let's just say Lassiter was disappointed at the turn of events.

"I think I am going to buy a coffee from across the street. Do you want me to get you one?" Juliet asked her partner, putting her pen down and pushing her paper across her desk.

Carlton was about to respond when his cellphone started ringing. Carlton nodded as she left, trusting her to know his order by now and answered his phone.

"This is Carlton."

"Carlton this is Victoria. I'll cut to the chase, I think we need to talk. In person. I think it's time we talked about the future. Where things are going with us."

Once everyone was in the car and Reynolds was pulling out of the station, Emily turned to her dad who was sitting next to her in the back seat (Foster beat him to shotgun that time).

"Are we finally going to the beach?"

"I don't know what your obsession is with the beach its just a bunch of sand. Do you know it gets everywhere? There are also sandworms that could work their way into your ears and turn your brain to mush."

"DAD!"

"Cal!"

"Ugh. Alright yes we can go to the beach now. We just have to make a quick stop to the hotel."

That seemed to make both of the women in the car happy as they started to go over what they would both do once they got there.