Red Clothes and Lipstick - 1

CHAPTER 1:

Teresa Lisbon looked at herself in the mirror to see a different woman staring back. Her usual shirt and trouser ensemble had been replaced by a long red strapless dress, and her hair had been tied into a tight bun rather than being carelessly tied into a bobble or left to hang loose. It was on a rare occasion that she dressed in such feminine clothes. But frankly her job didn't really allow for feminine clothing, unless you were suicidal, stupid or willing to have men stare at your arse all day. Lisbon looked down at the heeled shoes she had put on; they too were far from her usual look. Give me flats over heels any day. She thought, staring at the short stiletto heels the way someone might stare at shark infested waters. Then she looked to her lips. They were painted a deep red to match her dress, which Lisbon found somewhat disconcerting, but Grace had insisted upon her wearing it and she found it hard to turn down the rookie.
Having properly examined her ensemble, Lisbon slipped on a small black jacket and picked up her red handbag. She clutched the cross which hung around her neck, drew a deep breath and pushed open the apartment door. It was going to be a long night.
--
Patrick Jane absentmindedly stirred his drink with a swizzle stick as he stared out over the hall. His mind was somewhere else completely, namely the apartment in which his wife and daughter had been killed. It had been a long time since then, nearly six years, but it still preyed on his mind. He still found it hard to sleep knowing that when he woke up they wouldn't be there. He had sworn revenge the moment he read the note on the door, but despite his resolve the last six years had not turned up any results. No act of revenge was possible, because no one knew who Red John was. They hadn't then and they didn't now.
Jane snapped out of his trail of thoughts as a stray tear trickled down his face. Why had he bothered coming here? Like going to a ball was actually going to piece him and his life back together again. Get real Patrick. You're a complete mess.
--
Lisbon entered the hall to be greeted by Grace Van Pelt, who was sporting a sleeveless blue dress and heels and a pair of dangling diamond earrings. Van Pelt smiled and led her over to the table at which she and her boyfriend were sitting. Wayne Rigsby smiled up from the table, his black tux fitted to perfection and his usually wild and unkempt hair looked as though it had been cut, maybe even gelled back a little,
"Teresa," he said standing up and walking towards them, "it's good to see you again." Lisbon made an effort to smile, but it looked faked, so instead she stopped and shook his hand. Van Pelt continued to walk towards Rigsby and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, causing him to blush slightly before kissing her back,
"Are you going to join us for a drink boss, wine maybe?" Van Pelt asked politely as she and Rigsby sat back down,
"Please, call me Lisbon outside of work. Being called 'boss' feels... uncomfortable." Lisbon replied, sitting herself down, "I'll just have a lemonade... or water. You know what I'm like with drinks Van Pelt." Rigsby shot his girlfriend a questioning look,
"Oh my god, yes, I'm so sorry bo--Lisbon, I completely forgot!" Van Pelt stumbled over her words. Lisbon shook her head slowly,
"It's okay, don't worry about it." But inside a pang of pain from the memory tugged at her. She would leave after one or two drinks, or this night would get too much.
--
"Patrick!" Jane snapped out of his trail of thoughts as his name was called through the crowd, he looked around to see who had called his name and met the eyes of one Kimball Cho,
"Ah, Cho." Jane acknowledged the man's presence. Cho sidled over to the table and sat himself down, "You got anything new yet?"  He shook his head,
"No, sorry Jane, there's been no news about him anywhere. Not even in the highest criminal circles. His name hasn't been uttered for months." Jane nodded absently,
"Thank you. I appreciate the risks you take for me." He murmured, "Even if the risks don't turn up results you continue to take them. Thank you." A slight smile played about Cho's lips,
"Anything for an old friend." He replied before standing up again, "I have to go now. I'll keep you posted on any new information." Jane nodded and raised a hand in goodbye.
What did I do to deserve a friend like that? He wondered as he took a swig from his glass.
--
Lisbon listened to Van Pelt and Rigsby's conversations with rapidly diminishing enthusiasm, their topics, she found, were dull and she was distracted by fleeting memories. Apart from the occasional grunt of agreement she remained completely silent, sipping at her drink and staring out across the crowds of people gathered in the hall. It almost made her wish she had a case to work on; social events were not her forte.
"Lisbon?" Van Pelt inquired following a long silence, "Are you okay?"
"Just a little light-headed and tired," she lied, "I think I'd better go outside, get some fresh air." Van Pelt nodded understandingly,
"Would you like me to come with you?" Rigsby asked, "To make sure you're okay, I mean." Lisbon shook her head slowly,
"No, thank you Wayne," she replied standing up, "I'll be fine."