Chapter Text
The subtle smiles and looks from your coworkers should have been an indication that something was up. You were a detective after all. Walking into the office of your supervisor, you stopped by the door.
"Close it would you."
He gestured.
You closed the door, now very worried at the way he was smiling at you proudly.
Captain Sean Haynes never smiled like that unless a corrupted politician was exposed or a serial killer was off the streets.
"Who did you kill, sir?"
"Because I'm in a good mood I'm going to ignore that comment Detective (L/N)."
He stood from his seat.
"I'm sure you've heard some of the others discussing that opening at the CBI. They've been looking for some of the best."
You grin, because you realize where this is going.
"Angela told me. Micheal as well. A lot of them applied for the position. Did Angela get the job? You want to plan a surprise party? I'm on it. I can start putting things together."
You looked ready to dash out the office.
"Hold up, that's not why you're here."
He picked an envelope off his desk, stepping closer as he held it out. You just stared down at it.
"What is this?"
"It's your new job. You got it."
Disbelief crossed your face, then panic.
"S-Sir, that's impossible, I never applied for the position."
"I sent in your application. I also added my recommendation along with a few more from your previous jobs. You're an incredible detective. The director asked me personally to make a recommendation and I chose you."
The fact that he thinks so highly of you should make you ecstatic, but the realization of what this means is terrifying. You should have explained to him better why you didn't apply. He must have overheard you speaking to some of the others about your hesitance and assumed you were just scared of change.
"This is a good thing. Trust me I don't want to lose you in this department, but this opportunity is a game changer. You're adaptive, honest and thorough. I have faith in your ability."
You have yet to take the letter. As you stare at it you become aware that you can't just turn down this. Sean is not known for being the most emotionally expressive person, but you know he'd put his life on the line for any of his officers. He did this for you, to help. To reject that would be bad. You try to keep your hand steady as you take the envelope and his smile brightens.
"You'll do great."
That's what he said.
A month later you were transferred into the California Bureau of Investigation. Angela and Micheal had both congratulated you and used some of their vacation days to help you unpack and get settled in. The second they left California you could feel that internal fear that came with the realization that this was actually happening.
You tried everything to look on the bright side, but the idea of being here was stressful. You took an extra day to gather your wits and when you walked through those doors, you gave yourself a talk. You just needed to be smart. Keep your head down for the first few months. Settle in and above all else, keep your distance from him.
"This is Patrick Jane, he's our consultant." Lisbon introduced.
He held out his hand and you gave a nod, keeping your hands at your side like you'd done with the rest of them. He withdrew his arm with a careful look and you were sure to keep your expression neutral.
"Thank you, I look forward to working with all of you."
Vanpelt was smiling, possibly excited to have another woman on the team.
"Your desk is right here, let me know if you need anything." She offered.
You were seated a bit closer to Cho's desk. With a nod, you move to check out the area.
"I'm sorry to throw you into the field so early but we have a case. We were just about to head over. If you'd like to get settled in you can hang back."
You contemplated it, but turning down the invitation would certainly raise a flag, at least for a certain consultant.
"It's no problem. I can join."
"Great, everyone meet at the van in five minutes."
Nods were exchanged as everyone began to gather their belongings to leave.
You waited patiently, joining them when they started filling out the door.
The second you were all in the van Jane seems inclined to start his interrogation.
"So what's the deal with you?"
"Jane." Lisbon's warning tone was enough.
"Please don't piss off the newest member of our team."
"I was just making conversation. " He responded.
The rest of them snickered in the back, and you just sat quietly, hoping to get there quickly.
~
Lisbon was questioning Mrs. Connell and you studied everything. Your eyes drifted over James. Her son. He's young. You know this will take a toll on him. Losing his father. At least that's what you thought.
You expected a different temperament.
His collected behavior was a bit suspicious. You lifted your head when you felt a pair of eyes boring into you. Jane was looking at you. Clearing your throat you looked away. About to take a step to the side to maybe look for other clues that could back up what you were slowly putting together about the murder. You moved to head into the kitchen but James grabbed your hand unexpectedly, clearly about to ask a question.
The rush you felt at the contact made you practically rip your hand out of his hold. You stared at him in horror and now all eyes seemed trained on you.
"P-Please excuse me."
You paced out of the room, lecturing yourself for losing your cool.
When the interview was over everyone met you outside.
"I apologize for my reaction."
"It's okay."
From her look you knew she must have just assumed you had some kind of issue with germs. You sighed, happy with her understanding.
"About the case, I think we should look into previous accidents involving their son." You advised.
Lisbon looked a bit confused.
"Their son? James is twelve. Why should we focus on him?"
"Because James is a sociopath." Jane's comment produces shocked expressions.
"What do you mean sociopath, he's a kid." Lisbon argues.
"He's the murderer. Case closed. Lock him up."
Jane turned heading for the van as Lisbon chased after him.
"Wait! You can't just drop something like that without evidence."
"You'll find evidence in that little box he keeps under his bed. He's smart, but narcissistic. He doesn't think he'll ever be caught. His mother isn't an angel either. She's known for a while that he might be dangerous. She probably even suspected that he killed her husband."
Lisbon still looks unsure.
"If you don't believe it, just bring them in. Put them in different rooms and threaten to send her to prison, she'll confess to anything if she thinks she'll lose her son. Her husband just died, she doesn't want to leave her her son too."
Through his entire assessment you're quiet. Lisbon lets out a sigh, as she begins to give tasks.
"Rigsby, Cho, call the sheriff, we're going to take them in for questioning. Vanpelt call forensics, we'll need a warrant to search the house."
Lisbon turns back to Jane with a solemn look.
"I hope you're wrong about this."
You know she doesn't want to believe an innocent child could do something so horrible.
"Me too."
Lisbon knew it was unrealistic.
Whenever Jane spoke in that tone of confidence she knew. They'd gotten the warrant. What was found in James's bedroom proved Jane's theory and much more. You didn't need it though. From the second you saw him you knew something was off. But it's that touch. That short interaction that reinforced what you suspected when you entered the house and James looked more composed than grieving. His mother pleaded, but there was nothing that could be done to stop it.
Her son was a monster. Left unattended he could kill so many. They took a monster off the street. You should be relieved. However, Jane has been sending you some not so subtle looks for the entirety of the day.
You just try to make it through the best you can.
The following day you try to ignore it all. Walk in and pretend that nothing is wrong.
"That's the fastest we've ever closed a case. You might be a good luck charm." Lisbon commended.
You gave a tentative smile.
"Jane was the one who figured it out, I just had a hunch."
"Oh, don't be modest, you're good. I saw your file."
You tense and Lisbon glares at him.
"How exactly did you get a hold of this file?"
"I have my ways, anyway, how did you know?"
He's seated on his couch, just holding his cup of tea. You've never been so disarmed by someone that looks completely harmless.
"You're a good detective, that goes without saying. You studied his body language. Picked up on the little social cues. It's commendable. Your closing rate is also impressive. What concerns me is the fact that someone as skilled as you has stayed in the detective position so long. You've had plenty of opportunities I'm sure. I get the feeling that you were forced into this one. You never wanted to be here."
You play that off with a smile.
"Why does everything have to be a conspiracy with you Mr. Jane."
"Answer the question."
Lisbon can spot the tension and now the rest of the team is just watching.
"Alright let's all calm down."
"I won't because she's hiding something. Something big. Whatever it is, it's connected to the reason why you refuse to let people touch you."
Swallowing, you pray that he'll stop talking, stop fishing.
"You have no problem letting people think that you're some kind of germaphobe, but that's not it."
"That's enough Jane, stop it."
"What, don't you want to know if your agent is a spy, Lisbon?"
"I'm not a spy."
He grins.
"But there is something, right?"
"I don't have to listen to this."
You need to leave before he says more.
"It's something terrible, something you don't want anyone to find out."
You freeze in place, and you can see the looks you get from everyone in the room.
Judging you, suspecting you.
Regardless of how unhinged Jane is, they trust him.
You're scared.
You should have done a better job, faked it better. You should be denying every word, but you can't get yourself to speak. You're so panicked that you haven't realized that Jane has closed a bit of the distance.
"What are you hiding?"
He takes your hands and you jolt.
"Why are you doing this, please, stop!"
You plea.
He's staring at you in shock.
"How are you doing that.."
You just gape, because you didn't imagine it, he heard you.
He heard you.
A bulb above your head pops, the glass dropping to the floor. Everyone jumps and you yank your hands out of his grasp. Before anything else is said you sprint out of the room.
"Great job Jane." Lisbon is wearing that usual exasperated expression.
Jane is still speechless.
"Jane? Jane!"
He jumps back into reality, looking over at the rest of them slowly.
"Everything okay?"
He nods slowly.
"Everything is fine."