A/N: hi guys. Here's chapter 6. Thank everyone for the reviews.

This is the tale of a little girl, Payson Tanner, who witnesses her family destruction and how Patrick Jane and Teresa Lisbon search for their killers.

Chapter 6

Agent Scanlon had not seen Jane since he had returned all wild-eyed. Jane only stayed a moment before departing leaving Cho behind. Scanlon had seen the attachment of Jane toward Payson, especially after he said goodbye to her. Cho was still here in the living room. He was working on the files. She finished making their drinks and joined him. She sat on the couch then gave the agent his drink. The screen was on as they were in a three way conference between CBI, the safe house and Lisbon's apt.

- "Thanks, Scanlon…" Cho said while receiving the cool drink.

Scanlon excused herself from the conference to attend to Payson. They had not wanted to keep this conference on so late. Even Jane was about to yawn.

Payson was in her room reading or trying to read. Scanlon had seen the impatience of the child and fully understood it. By the time bedtime came Payson became obstinate. She simply would not obey. Scanlon was anticipating this problem. She was glad it is surfacing now.

- "I want to see Patrick" she said with her little child's voice.

- "He's busy right now" said Scanlon. "But I'm sure he will come when he has a free moment. Now you need to sleep."

- "So I want to see Teresa" she persisted.

- "Payson, she also must work." She patiently said as she ran a hand over her face.

- "I don't want go to bed. They might come to see me." Payson said.

Scanlon stood up and left the room. She left the child alone in front of her bed. She would not be the one who gives in to the whims of an eight year old child. Though, she could understand her concern. She looked at Cho who just nodded his head. So, she took her phone out of her pocket.

- "Scanlon is going to call you Jane." Cho said to the screen.

- "Patrick Jane" replied the man after getting the heads up from Cho.

- "Jane, I'm having difficulties with Payson. She will not go to sleep without seeing you or Lisbon" she breathed with relief. "Would you be able to come soon?"

Jane thought for a moment.

- "Is there any other problem?" the Consultant asked worriedly.

- "No, there is no other problem." Scanlon said.

- "I'm so sorry I can not make it. However, I will talk to her. Lisbon is not at her best at the moment and I will have to attend to her." Jane replied. "Please bring Payson the phone. I will talk with her."

The Agent left the room and knocked lightly on Payson's door.

- "Payson someone wants to talk to you." The Agent said.

- "I'm fine" said the woman said on the screen behind the mentalist. "And we'll be right there, do not worry."

- "Agent Scanlon Lisbon is wrong we will not be coming. Please hand Payson the phone." Jane said.

- "There is no answer I am going to take a peek." Agent Scanlon said.

Scanlon went into the room to find Payson quietly asleep in her bed. She smiled. Fatigue had won despite her obstinacy. The woman approached the bed, gently pulled the blanket and kissed the girl's forehead before leaving the room.

- "Well what is the verdict Agent?" Jane asked.

- "She is asleep…Crisis avoided." Scanlon said.

- "Good if she wakes up do not hesitate in calling me. Have a good night Agent." Jane said hanging up.

She return to the living room and began to work with Cho on the conference.

- "Jane we could have gone…" Lisbon protested.

- "Yes we could have but we should not…The case is almost over and I heard your concerns. We both have to start to distance ourselves from her." Jane sadly said.

- "You heard talk to me? I never said anything of the sort to you!" Lisbon said.

- "Admit it Lisbon it was what you were thinking was the right thing to do?" Jane said.

- "Well Yes I suppose I was thinking it…But how did you know?" Lisbon asked.

- "Lisbon, have you not learned by now you are an open book to me?" Jane said.

- oooo -

Jane turned to Lisbon who was on the screen.

"I still say you have gotten this lead too easily…An anonymous tipster tells you exactly where he was and they were just sitting there for you?" Jane said.

- "It is not you who took a bullet as I know" Lisbon said. "I do not think it was easy. But it is true that I also find it odd that the anonymous call came at the right time."

- "Were you able to locate where the call came from?" Jane asked.

- "Unfortunately not" Van Pelt said shaking her head.

- "So do not you find that odd? I still think that Payson is not safe yet" continued Jane.

He could see Lisbon was struggling with the pain. It showed in her face. He should end this session soon.

Silence fell over the room. Jane was right, Lisbon thought. Payson's life could still be in danger. At the moment, the team was still trying to find a link between Beckett and all those who were killed. Nobody was certain that the child's life was not in danger. Lisbon did not want to take any risk.

- "Payson will remain under protection until we are certain that she is not in any more danger" she announced. "I refuse to take any chances."

-"Right Boss" Rigsby said as she saw Van Pelt and Jane nod in agreement.

- "I totally agree with agent Lisbon" approved Scanlon who was patched in to the conference. "And I remain at your disposal for as long as you need me."

- " Thanks Agent Scanlon…Cho, what about you…?" Lisbon asked.

- "I'm with you Boss…" Cho said crowding in front of Agent Scanlon's screen

- "I think it might help us if Payson talked. I do not want to force her" replied Lisbon. "Maybe the best thing would be for her to see Dr. Dane again. She might manage to get her to talk."

- "It is a good idea Lisbon. I think the sooner the better. I do not know if she can tell us much more. We can always try." Scanlon said.

- "Well all, I'll call it a day. Now I think I should get some rest." suggested Lisbon as she ended the conference call.

-oooo-

Once the call was over Teresa yawned then fell asleep sitting up on the couch. She started dreaming.

o-o-o

Teresa was lying in bed with her head on her Mother's leg and a hand in her Father's strong hand. She especially loved this time of the day. It was where her parents came into her room at night to read her a story. It was the only time of day when her Father and Mother could be together with her. The girl always enjoyed this moment.

At the end of the story, her Father would lean over to kiss her forehead. Then her Mother and he stood. Young Teresa watched her parents stand by the door then she closed her eyes. She leaned back comfortably in her bed. She had no trouble falling asleep. She knew that her parents were there to protect her and love her as long as she needed it.

o-o-o

Lisbon felt a hand on her arm then it moved to her shoulder and finally her cheek. She tilted her head to deepen the contact with this warm and gentle hand. It felt good and she refused to wake up. The hand gently stroked her cheek as she kept her eyes closed. She felt some one taking her in strong arms which made her suddenly open her eyes. She was in Jane's arms. He did not seem to notice when she closed her eyes again. She enjoyed the moment.

Moments later, she felt him place her down on the sofa. He brushed a strand of hair from her face then leaned forward and put his lips to her forehead. She let out a content sigh involuntarily. She felt Jane smile against her skin. He then pulled away and walked away from the sofa. He left the room. She looked up when she heard Jane arrive.

Jane returned from the kitchen and sat down. Lisbon had given him her key. He was just checking on her. He had just returned from the CBI. There was not much new to report. He sat and watched her sleep. He wanted to place her in her own bed. However, she looked so comfortable on the couch he did not want to jostle her too much.

- oooo -

Lisbon listened to Jane leaving the room. She would never admit it, but she loved being in his arms. How he had taken her in his arms, the way he had placed her on the sofa. And his hand stroking her cheek ... All this was strange, she really did not know what she felt. Jane was her friend, her best friend. They had always been more or less close to each other. Maybe it justified what she felt in his arms.

Even more, she felt how Jane liked her. He had changed, she could tell. A few years earlier, he would never have dared to touch her let alone take her in his arms. Everything had changed since his return from Vegas. He had been distant with her, like with every one else. He wanted to work by her side, to protect her as he had said. Then, without knowing why, he was close to her again. She always feared that one day she would come to work to find that he was gone. She also feared that something like Vegas would happen again. She feared that this time it would end badly.

Yet, he was still here for her. She was glad for this. Though, her fear was still there. Even now, nothing could stop him from leaving tomorrow or next month. With this sudden change and he showed these small gestures of affection. It was proof he was better than the day he joined the CBI. If he wanted to go, she would not prevent it. She would stand aside even if she would suffer. She cared deeply for him.

Lisbon wanted to sleep a little more, but she had to call Dr. Dane. The sooner this ordeal would end. The faster everyone would resume a normal life. She should also start looking for a family for Payson. It would have to be someone who would care and help her to become a balanced woman.

Lisbon sat up, stretched gently awaken a sitting Jane.

- "So where are you going Lisbon?" he asked.

- "I have things to do," she justified.

- "Lisbon it is three o' clock in the morning…Certainly you can make it wait until you awake in the morning? I doubt Dr. Dane will appreciate your call at this hour." Jane said.

- "Lisbon look" Jane stopped her. "You're still tired and you need rest."

- "Jane I am fine…Thanks for look out for me." Lisbon said sitting up.

- "Fine so now that you are up I have an idea to trap the true killer of all these murders." Jane said.

- "We don't even know who it could be?" she reminded him.

- "I have my mind on that," seeing that she was waiting for an explanation, he continued. "I reread all the records that we have and I noticed that Logan Anderson is the recipient of all the property of the Tanner family."

- "They were friends since college," she said "Tanner had no family, that's why Anderson is the beneficiary. I do not see why he would have wanted to harm him, his family or the others."

- "That I do not know yet," he admitted. "But what I know is that only he could know all the details about the house of Tanner and Moira McGrath. Before, you say anything, Lisbon. I know he was not on the case at least that's what he told us. I'd like to meet him. Just so I have true idea of the man."

Lisbon looked at him for a moment. She trusted him. She knew he would not do anything stupid, not this time. He was too attached to Payson to endanger her, she knew it.

- "I'll arrange an interview, but don't do anything stupid, don't be angry and above all, make sure you do not add to my paperwork, I have enough already." She said

- "Yes ma'am" Jane smiled.

- "Well, now, could you get me a coffee please?" She asked.

- "At this rate Lisbon, this is no longer the blood in your veins but coffee" remarked Jane. "You should stop before it is too late."

- "Whatever, Jane" Lisbon said.

If she wanted coffee at three in the morning, he should get it for her or at least allow her to make it herself.

Jane smiled once more and went to prepare Lisbon's drink. He knew it was not a good idea. She needed to rest and coffee would not help. He also knew that if he did not. She would make it herself. He did not want her to make the slightest effort today. So he carefully prepared her coffee. It was not difficult because he knew exactly how she loved it.

He then returned to her, cup in hand and gave it to her. She took it with a smile and raised it to her lips. She took a few sips before placing it on the table.

- "Stop thinking Lisbon" Jane whispered in her ear. " Go back to sleep."

- "I can't" she confessed.

- "Why not Lisbon…? What are you thinking about?" He asked.

She hesitated a moment.

- "You have already considered moving on?" She asked.

Jane thought for a moment before slowly answering.

- "Yes," he admitted. "Why do you ask?"

- "I don't know I ... I was just wondering if ..." Teresa faultered.

- "If what?" Jane countered.

- "No, forget it." Lisbon said getting embarrassed.

They were silent for a moment before Jane moved and Lisbon looked up at him. They stared for a moment.

- "I have often thought about what my life would be if I found a woman and I had another family," he began. "Have you ever thought about starting a family?"

- "Often, but with my work it's impossible." Lisbon rued.

- "Why Lisbon…? Many agents have families." Jane countered.

- "Maybe, but it's harder for a woman than for a man." Lisbon said.

- "How so…? You do know you'd make a great Mom one day" he said.

Lisbon straightened up on the couch to better watch him.

- "Having children has always been a dream when I was a child" she confessed." I wanted to be like my Mother, I admired her so much. When she died and my life changed, I realized that there was something else I needed to do. "

- "Lisbon that is no excuse… You still can start a family." Jane replied.

- "It's too late for that Jane. I might find a man that is true. However, what is also true I'm too old to have children." Lisbon admitted.

Lisbon did not know why she had confessed to Jane. It was a secret she had kept for her all these years. This case had changed many things. She had opened her eyes to the life she had and the one she wanted. Having to deal with Payson had made her realized what had been silenced for so long. It was a longing she could not deny.

- "You know Lisbon. Taking care of Payson reminded me of my time with Charlotte. At first I thought it would hurt, but no. Of course it is not easy. It did remind me of the good times I had with my Daughter." He paused and Lisbon grabbed his hand as to encourage him. "Sometimes I think I am wrong to deprive myself of happiness."

- "You're right Patrick. You're wrong to deprive yourself of happiness" she agreed. "You have the right to be happy, like everyone else."

- "As you do Lisbon," he added. "You deprive yourself of happiness, just as I do."

- "I am happy with my life," she said.

- "However Lisbon you could have more" he replied. "Think about it. Now get some sleep, we have a lot to do tomorrow."

Lisbon finally consented to close her eyes then resting her head on Jane's shoulder. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes. The little discussion they have had been good to them both. They have openly talked about a more or less sensitive topic to them. They have been honest with each other. Maybe they could talk about that later. Lisbon realized that Jane was right. At the moment, they needed to sleep a long day would await them.

She felt suddenly very tired and she closed her eyes for a moment. Jane helped her gently to lie on the couch. He was surprised that she let him do it. He then placed a blanket over her and sat on the chair that he approached to the couch. He looked at her sleeping form, unable to find himself sleeping.

He could not stop to think back to when he had seen Lisbon coming out of that building leaning on Rigsby. He could still see the blood dripping from her belly. The fear he had felt at the thought of losing her. She was his best friend. She was the only person in whom he had complete confidence. It was the only thing that still attached him to life. Without her he knew he would be lost. She had always been there for him, even in the worst moments. She had never let him down.

The Mentalist let his eyes drift over the face of Teresa Lisbon. Eleven years, they knew each others for eleven years. Despite everything, all the pain he had inflicted to her. She was still here. He was still wondered what he could have done to deserve a friend like her. He had done many bad things in his life. He had lied, cheated, and manipulated people. Yet, he was offered a new chance.

Lisbon grunted in her sleep with one hand on her stomach. He stood up, approached and put a hand on her cheek. He spoke softly that helped her relax and sleep. Once he was sure she was asleep. He leaned to kiss her forehead. He stayed longer than necessary before finally moving back to sit in the chair. He knew he was too close to her. Being this close he endangered her. There was nothing he could do to control this feeling.

He finally got up and went to make another cup of tea. This case would soon end. They would arrest the man responsible for the death of the Tanner family. Then he should say goodbye to Payson. He knew it would not be easy for any of them. He looked at the woman who was still asleep. Since the beginning of this case, he had spent much more time with his colleague. For example, he is sitting in her apt watching her sleep. That is totally new. Sure they used to spend time together while only on the case. They never spent this much time. Going back to normal life would not be easy. He was too attached to her. It would be hard not to spend that much time with her anymore.

-oooo-

Morning came and Jane had left before Lisbon awoke. He left her key and a note. Lisbon felt much better after getting some rest.

Jane appeared at the safe house before anyone else was awake. He busied in the kitchen making himself a cup of tea. He had not slept the night and he was tired. He let out a yawn when he heard the patter of little feet approaching.

Payson stood in the doorway looking still a bit sleepy. Jane immediately moved over to hug the child.

- "Patrick where were you?" She asked.

- "Payson I was visiting a sick friend. She was injured and I was there to help her not reinjure herself." Jane explained. "I did call but you had gone to sleep. I am here now. Did you have a nightmare?"

Payson shook her head yes.

- "Do you want to tell me about it?" Jane coaxed.

- "It was about Uncle Logan." Payson said. "He was yelling at my Daddy. He was very mad I was so afraid."

- "What do you know about your Uncle Logan, Payson?" Jane asked holding her so she felt safe to tell him.

- "Uncle Logan is normally nice but I saw this one time he was in Mommy's room without Daddy being home and he was nice to Mommy." Payson said.

- "Is there any other time you saw Uncle Logan?" Jane asked.

Payson thought for a moment then spoke again.

- "One time, I was playing hide and seek. I hid under Daddy's desk. Daddy came in and was furious with Uncle Logan. Daddy said he saw what Uncle Logan was doing. It was wrong and he should go to jail." Payson recalled.

- "You did good Payson so what would you like for breakfast? Jane asked as he busied to create the perfect breakfast.

Jane's suspicions were confirmed after what Payson had just told him. Apparently, Logan Anderson had done something illegal. Looking over the files nothing had popped out to the Mentalist. He would have to look a little further with Lisbon's help it would be easier. That would justify that he wanted the death of the Tanner family. It did not explain the others, the parents of Kelly Romero or Moira McGrath, Beckett's lawyer and his ex-wife lawyer. However, Jane thought. If Anderson wanted incriminate Beckett, what better way than to take all the people he had threatened.

He needed to talk to Lisbon, but he could wait until she contacted him. She needed her rest. Payson rested her head on table and fell back asleep. Jane stopped breakfast preparations and took the young child back to her room. He laid her in bed. He kissed her forehead before getting up and leaving the room. This girl knew too much for her young age and did not realize their importance which was for the best in the end.

- oooo -

Jane was in thought…The killers intentionally left Payson alone…But why? The phone rang it was Lisbon.

- "Good morning Lisbon, how did you sleep?" Jane asked.

- "I am kind of wondering why I am awaking on my couch? Why did you not awake me…Did you stay up all night Jane? You did not need to I was fine." Lisbon protested.

- I am glad you called I had a conversation with Payson. Yes I am here at the safe house. Listen Lisbon…We have been going at this the wrong way. We thought Payson was spared because of her luck. It was not luck at all. It was planned. The Killers spared her. They killed Kelly. She was their target. Also Logan Anderson was having an affair with Mrs. Tanner."

- "So Logan Anderson had an affair with Mrs. Tanner. But something tells me that this is not the motive of the murder," she said. "And you think the same thing."

- "I think Anderson did something illegal from a professional point of view. Tanner discovered it. It must be because of that they are dead." Jane said.

- "Ok Jane that's explains the Tanners but what about the others?" Lisbon asked.

- "The others were merely a means to throw us off the real killers. He wanted us to focus on Jackson Beckett" continued Jane.

- "Exactly…this new information can help us catch Anderson. We'll need to be very careful. Promise me Jane, you will be very careful. If it is Anderson who is responsible for it all, he will not let himself get caught that easily. He had us all fooled." Lisbon said.

- "I will be very careful Lisbon," he reassured her. "I will not go alone. However, you will not come with me. You are still injured and need to heal."

- "I'd feel better if I came with you Jane. I do not trust this man." Lisbon said.

- "I would go with Cho. He has already met with Anderson. So it will be easier." Jane said.

The Agent did not seem reassured. Even though, she fully trusted Cho. To let Jane talk to this man frightened her much more than other times. Anderson was responsible for the death Payson's family and countless more if Jane was correct. He was smart and cunning. That is a very dangerous opponent. However, He was flesh and blood and not one step ahead like Red John. Still she was afraid he would make a mistake.

- "Okay Jane you set up the meet but promise me to be careful." Lisbon said.

- "I promise you Lisbon I will be extra careful with this one." Jane said hanging up.

Teresa looked at her phone then yawned she was getting tired again. This time she decided to go sleep in her own bed. The Couch was ok for Jane but not for her when there was a comfy bed upstairs.

Jane looked at his phone thinking. Now he needed to finish getting breakfast ready and get with Cho. There was a mastermind murderer to take down.

TBC…

A/N2: I'm waiting to read your reviews. I hope you liked that chapter. One more day before the last episode, I can't wait to watch it. I still hope to see Jane and Lisbon together. What do you think guys?

Sweety