Selwyn Village 2/7
Title: Selwyn Village Chapter 2
Author: chinchilla3065
Fandoms: Psych
Pairings: Lassiter/Juliet
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Juliet and Lassiter must go undercover as a married couple expecting their first baby to solve a string of murders in a small suburban town.
The next morning Juliet woke up shivering. Eyes still closed she felt around for her partner but the bed was empty. She opened her eyes and then quickly shielded them from the light pouring in from the windows. She wondered what time it was, if she had missed her “husband” going off to work. It was then that she heard a sound coming from downstairs.
Wrapping her pink robe around her, Juliet padded down the stairs and into the bright kitchen. Carlton Lassiter was standing there, fully dressed, flipping pancakes in a pan on the stove.
“You made me breakfast?” Juliet squealed with delight.
“It’s a husband’s job.” Lassiter shrugged. Giving him a quick hug, Juliet grabbed the plate sitting next to the stove and brought it to the waiting orange juice at the table. She grinned as she dug in. Lassiter turned off the stove and leaned against the counter, sipping coffee and watching her enjoy her breakfast. She looks so beautiful he thought, watching her tuck her ruffled dark hair behind her ears. He missed the cascading blonde locks that used to bounce when she laughed. His eyes widened. He had to stop thinking about his partner in this way.
Suddenly feeling awkward, Juliet looked up to see her partner regarding her with an odd expression on his face.
“Aren’t you eating some too?” She inquired. Lassiter shook his head.
“Already ate a power bar and went for a run. But you enjoy.” Juliet gave him another bright smile.
“So what’s on the agenda for today?”
“Well, I’m going to the station to do some more research into these murders. It’s up to you to get these neighborhood women to talk.”
Juliet nodded.
“Before you leave though, help me get that silly pregnancy stomach back on would you?”
- - - - - - - - - - -
Safely strapped into her fake belly, Juliet walked Carlton to the front door.
“Call me if you find anything.” He nodded. Suddenly he darted his head to the left and right. Juliet saw that all of the neighborhood men were leaving for work at the same time. Each one was standing at the door kissing their respective wives goodbye. As if on cue, Lassiter leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. It felt like a shock had gone through both of their bodies. Startled, Juliet opened her mouth to say something but no words came out.
“Bye honey, have a good day!” Lassiter patted her stomach and crossed the driveway to climb into the car.
Juliet forced a smile as she watched her partner drive away. Perhaps she would be the one who needed to work on staying in character.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Donning a flowered dress and pulling her hair back into a bow, Juliet felt ready to visit her new neighbors. She hustled across the front yard and knocked on Susan Mounmouth’s front door. From inside she could hear shouting, the sounds of children playing. Susan pulled the door open with a crying boy no older than three balanced on her hip.
“Oh, Allison! Come in dear, come in! I’m just trying to get the kids ready for school.” Juliet smiled at her and the little boy in her arms. “This little one is Riley, and my oldest is Mark, he’s 7. Mark!” She called, “It’s time for school lets go!”
“They’re so precious.” Juliet smiled rubbing her stomach. “I can’t wait to get our little one off to school.”
Grabbing lunchboxes off the counter Susan laughed, “It’s definitely a job, but I love being here with them. Have you thought of any names for the little one?”
Juliet froze, this wasn’t one of the details in the case file. Suddenly she remembered Lassiter’s beloved grandmother’s name.
“We’re going to name her Ellie.” She said, making a mental not to let Lassiter know later.
“Oh that’s so nice!” Susan shouted over Riley’s cries. “If you come with me to drop the kids off I’ll take you over to our special workout group, just for pregnant women. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
Juliet jumped at the chance.
“Do you need any help with them?” Juliet waved at the kids. Susan immediately handed her the little boy on her hip and gathered up her other son’s things.
“Thanks!” she shouted over her shoulder, hustling the older boy out the front door and into the waiting minivan. Juliet followed her carrying the surprisingly heavy preschooler.
“Your stomach is squishy.” Riley said, patting her fake belly. Juliet’s eyes widened and quickly placed the boy on the ground.
“Your mom says its time for school, are you excited?” She changed the subject.
- - - - - - - -
After dropping the kids off Juliet and Susan made idle small talk in the car on the way to Susan’s class. Juliet was thrilled she was being included in this group so quickly.
“You and Brad must join the class,” Susan chirped, “Caroline is the most wonderful coach, she helped me get through the births of my boys. She’s got three grown children, lives just up the block there. Her husband is a neurosurgeon.”
Juliet nodded along, excited to meet this new group of women. Perhaps they would have some input into the case. As Susan pulled into the parking lot of a strip mall, Juliet could see a small group of pregnant woman chatting outside a café.
“Her studio is upstairs,” Susan explained, “But this café is great, we can all get herbal tea afterwards!”
“I love herbal tea.” Juliet exclaimed, perhaps a little to excitedly as Susan gave her a sideways glance. She exited the car and made her way up to the small group of women.
“Ladies,” Susan interrupted the chatter, “This is my new neighbor, Allison Jackson. She and her husband are expecting their first this fall! I hope you don’t mind that I brought her along.”
Together the women exchanged squeals of delight at another woman joining their group. They each reached out to hug Juliet gently and exchange pleasantries. In a matter of minutes Juliet was introduced to Isabelle Moore, a petit bubbly blond woman who was once an elementary school teacher. She had given up her career in favor of starting a large family with her doctor husband. They were expecting their fifth baby. Cara Logan, young, bright and new to the neighborhood, Cara eagerly shared her dream of becoming a yoga instructor after her baby was born. Rachel Daniels, a former professor of history who now ran her own coffee shop with her husband. And finally Anna Comey, seemingly the outsider of the group. Had she not been Cara’s cousin, Juliet doubted she would be included. Anna was quiet, and heavier than the other women. Her hug for Juliet was brief. She looked extremely uncomfortable to be included in such a superficial conversation.
Once Juliet had been introduced, the women returned to their previous conversation, filling Susan in on the happenings of the neighborhood.
“I caught him, staring at me through the window again!” Isabelle exclaimed. “That man is practically a sex offender how can the township let him live in our neighborhood?”
“I know,” Cara agreed, “It’s despicable. It scares me that he is so near the children.”
“I’m sorry,” Juliet interrupted, “Who are we talking about?”
“Oh dear, I forgot you were new!” Susan exclaimed. “There’s this man, Miles Bennison. He lives next to Isabelle, all alone. He’s the scariest man I’ve ever seen. Always peeking from behind the curtains. I’ve been in his house once, its so dark and dank. The man should be forcibly removed from this place!”
Rachel nodded vehemently in agreement, “If I didn’t know better, it was Miles that committed those murders!”
A silence fell over the women. Rachel looked shocked at her own words.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
Susan put her hand on Rachel’s shoulder, “It’s alright Rachel, could have happened to any of us.”
“Murders?” Juliet inquired again.
“Three of our friends were tragically killed a few months ago, all of them were pregnant.” Susan explained. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I’d rather not discuss it actually, it was a difficult time for all of us.”
Juliet nodded and offered Susan a comforting hug.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan. All of you really. What a terrible tragedy.”
Susan wiped the tears from her eyes.
“But lets not dwell, come along upstairs for our class!” She pulled Juliet along behind her as the women climbed the stairs to Caroline’s studio.
Caroline Smith turned out to be a kind woman in her late 40’s who lead a unique workout session for the pregnant women in the neighborhood. Because she was already so fit, Juliet had no problem keeping up. She actually enjoyed the class immensely. Caroline provided a warm friendly environment and offered many helpful tips.
As they were leaving, Caroline drew her aside.
“Allison, you did so wonderful today! You and your husband must join my Lamaze class. We meet tomorrow night.” Juliet nodded enthusiastically.
“I had a wonderful time Caroline! I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After the class was over, Juliet joined Susan in the car, and accompanied her on her afternoon errands. During a trip to pick up Jared’s new suits, she purchased her own fake husband a new gray-blue sweater which she thought would match his eyes perfectly. Susan approved.
When they pulled back into Susan’s driveway after picking up the kids from soccer practice, it was nearly 5 o’clock.
“Oh where did the day go?” Susan shrieked. “You and Brad must come over for dinner tonight! I’m making my patented baked ziti.”
Juliet smiled widely, “Oh Susan, you’ve been so wonderful all day. Thank you! What time should we be over?”
“I’d say around seven thirty.” Susan said, “That will give me time to feed the kids first.”
Juliet parted ways with her neighbor, and crossed the lawn to her own house. The woman was really beginning to grow on her. Once inside, Juliet removed all of the notes she’d taken on the neighborhood loner, Miles Bennison from her purse. She needed to ask Lassiter to run a background check once he got home.
Twenty minutes later her doting “husband” walked through the door.
She heard a sarcastic call of “Honey, I’m home!” come from the front hall and she practically ran to greet him.
“How was your day? Find out anything?” She inquired.
Lassiter nodded enthusiastically. “Indeed I did, O’Hara. After some major research I found out there is a registered sex offender in this neighborhood. I spent the day going through his records, he has been arrested for assaulting numerous pregnant women.” Juliet paled.
“I think we’ve got our guy.” He finished.
“Is his name Miles Bennison by any chance?” She inquired.
“What? How did you do that O’Hara? Are you channeling Spencer now?”
Juliet giggled. “No, but I spent the day with Susan Monmouth and her friends, he’s the talk of the town.”
“Good.” Lassiter added. “Find out anything else before we run over there and arrest him?”
“We can’t just yet Carlton, it’s only an assumption. Lets keep him under surveillance for now. Besides, we have dinner plans.”
“We do?”
“Yes, at the Monmouth’s.”
“Fine,” Lassiter agreed. “Let’s go.”
“Not like that!” Juliet waved at his suit. “I bought you a present today!” she suddenly remembered, and ran to get the sweater.
“It’s nice, thank you.” Lassiter said, turning it over in his hands.
“Well aren’t you going to put it on?” She inquired. Lassiter sighed and trooped up to the bedroom to change. He reappeared minutes later wearing the sweater and a pair of dark jeans. There was an odd bulge just under his left arm.
“What is that?” Juliet inquired, pointing at the bulge.
“I’m going to wear a jacket, don’t worry O’Hara.”
“You are not wearing your holster to dinner at our neighbors house, Lassiter.”
“But! I always wear it!”
“No!” She shrieked, and pulled up the sweater to detach it. Lassiter froze. It was at that moment that Juliet realized that snaking her hands up her partners’ shirt was probably wildly inappropriate. Nevertheless, she retrieved the gun and took a step back, placing it on the kitchen counter.
“Sorry,” she muttered quietly.
“No problem.” He answered gruffly, straightening out his sweater. “Let’s go shall we?”
As they exited the house and began the walk across the yard, Lassiter reached down and took her hand. It was a simple gesture, but suddenly Juliet’s entire body felt red hot. She really had a crush on this man, she thought, as they neared the Monmouth’s door. As Lassiter reached up to knock, Juliet pulled his hand down in hesitation.
“Wait,” she said quietly, moving her hand to his face. Slowly she reached up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Their eyes closed as the electricity shot through their bodies.
“Juliet…” Lassiter murmured. The use of her first name only spurred her on as Juliet moved to deepen the kiss. “Wait,” he added. She quickly pulled back, alarmed.
“Carlton, I’m..I’m so sorry.” She stammered. “I didn’t realize you wouldn’t feel the same way.”
“It’s not that.” He smiled. “It’s just that once you start, I don’t think I can stop.” Juliet beamed. He pointed to the door. “Dinner first,” he reminded her. “We’ll deal with that later.”
Juliet turned back to the Monmouth’s front door as Lassiter knocked. Her whole body was filled with intense excitement. This was going to be the longest dinner of her life.
- - - - - - - - -
A/N: Hope you liked it! More to come soon.
Author: chinchilla3065
Fandoms: Psych
Pairings: Lassiter/Juliet
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: none
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Juliet and Lassiter must go undercover as a married couple expecting their first baby to solve a string of murders in a small suburban town.
The next morning Juliet woke up shivering. Eyes still closed she felt around for her partner but the bed was empty. She opened her eyes and then quickly shielded them from the light pouring in from the windows. She wondered what time it was, if she had missed her “husband” going off to work. It was then that she heard a sound coming from downstairs.
Wrapping her pink robe around her, Juliet padded down the stairs and into the bright kitchen. Carlton Lassiter was standing there, fully dressed, flipping pancakes in a pan on the stove.
“You made me breakfast?” Juliet squealed with delight.
“It’s a husband’s job.” Lassiter shrugged. Giving him a quick hug, Juliet grabbed the plate sitting next to the stove and brought it to the waiting orange juice at the table. She grinned as she dug in. Lassiter turned off the stove and leaned against the counter, sipping coffee and watching her enjoy her breakfast. She looks so beautiful he thought, watching her tuck her ruffled dark hair behind her ears. He missed the cascading blonde locks that used to bounce when she laughed. His eyes widened. He had to stop thinking about his partner in this way.
Suddenly feeling awkward, Juliet looked up to see her partner regarding her with an odd expression on his face.
“Aren’t you eating some too?” She inquired. Lassiter shook his head.
“Already ate a power bar and went for a run. But you enjoy.” Juliet gave him another bright smile.
“So what’s on the agenda for today?”
“Well, I’m going to the station to do some more research into these murders. It’s up to you to get these neighborhood women to talk.”
Juliet nodded.
“Before you leave though, help me get that silly pregnancy stomach back on would you?”
- - - - - - - - - - -
Safely strapped into her fake belly, Juliet walked Carlton to the front door.
“Call me if you find anything.” He nodded. Suddenly he darted his head to the left and right. Juliet saw that all of the neighborhood men were leaving for work at the same time. Each one was standing at the door kissing their respective wives goodbye. As if on cue, Lassiter leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. It felt like a shock had gone through both of their bodies. Startled, Juliet opened her mouth to say something but no words came out.
“Bye honey, have a good day!” Lassiter patted her stomach and crossed the driveway to climb into the car.
Juliet forced a smile as she watched her partner drive away. Perhaps she would be the one who needed to work on staying in character.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Donning a flowered dress and pulling her hair back into a bow, Juliet felt ready to visit her new neighbors. She hustled across the front yard and knocked on Susan Mounmouth’s front door. From inside she could hear shouting, the sounds of children playing. Susan pulled the door open with a crying boy no older than three balanced on her hip.
“Oh, Allison! Come in dear, come in! I’m just trying to get the kids ready for school.” Juliet smiled at her and the little boy in her arms. “This little one is Riley, and my oldest is Mark, he’s 7. Mark!” She called, “It’s time for school lets go!”
“They’re so precious.” Juliet smiled rubbing her stomach. “I can’t wait to get our little one off to school.”
Grabbing lunchboxes off the counter Susan laughed, “It’s definitely a job, but I love being here with them. Have you thought of any names for the little one?”
Juliet froze, this wasn’t one of the details in the case file. Suddenly she remembered Lassiter’s beloved grandmother’s name.
“We’re going to name her Ellie.” She said, making a mental not to let Lassiter know later.
“Oh that’s so nice!” Susan shouted over Riley’s cries. “If you come with me to drop the kids off I’ll take you over to our special workout group, just for pregnant women. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
Juliet jumped at the chance.
“Do you need any help with them?” Juliet waved at the kids. Susan immediately handed her the little boy on her hip and gathered up her other son’s things.
“Thanks!” she shouted over her shoulder, hustling the older boy out the front door and into the waiting minivan. Juliet followed her carrying the surprisingly heavy preschooler.
“Your stomach is squishy.” Riley said, patting her fake belly. Juliet’s eyes widened and quickly placed the boy on the ground.
“Your mom says its time for school, are you excited?” She changed the subject.
- - - - - - - -
After dropping the kids off Juliet and Susan made idle small talk in the car on the way to Susan’s class. Juliet was thrilled she was being included in this group so quickly.
“You and Brad must join the class,” Susan chirped, “Caroline is the most wonderful coach, she helped me get through the births of my boys. She’s got three grown children, lives just up the block there. Her husband is a neurosurgeon.”
Juliet nodded along, excited to meet this new group of women. Perhaps they would have some input into the case. As Susan pulled into the parking lot of a strip mall, Juliet could see a small group of pregnant woman chatting outside a café.
“Her studio is upstairs,” Susan explained, “But this café is great, we can all get herbal tea afterwards!”
“I love herbal tea.” Juliet exclaimed, perhaps a little to excitedly as Susan gave her a sideways glance. She exited the car and made her way up to the small group of women.
“Ladies,” Susan interrupted the chatter, “This is my new neighbor, Allison Jackson. She and her husband are expecting their first this fall! I hope you don’t mind that I brought her along.”
Together the women exchanged squeals of delight at another woman joining their group. They each reached out to hug Juliet gently and exchange pleasantries. In a matter of minutes Juliet was introduced to Isabelle Moore, a petit bubbly blond woman who was once an elementary school teacher. She had given up her career in favor of starting a large family with her doctor husband. They were expecting their fifth baby. Cara Logan, young, bright and new to the neighborhood, Cara eagerly shared her dream of becoming a yoga instructor after her baby was born. Rachel Daniels, a former professor of history who now ran her own coffee shop with her husband. And finally Anna Comey, seemingly the outsider of the group. Had she not been Cara’s cousin, Juliet doubted she would be included. Anna was quiet, and heavier than the other women. Her hug for Juliet was brief. She looked extremely uncomfortable to be included in such a superficial conversation.
Once Juliet had been introduced, the women returned to their previous conversation, filling Susan in on the happenings of the neighborhood.
“I caught him, staring at me through the window again!” Isabelle exclaimed. “That man is practically a sex offender how can the township let him live in our neighborhood?”
“I know,” Cara agreed, “It’s despicable. It scares me that he is so near the children.”
“I’m sorry,” Juliet interrupted, “Who are we talking about?”
“Oh dear, I forgot you were new!” Susan exclaimed. “There’s this man, Miles Bennison. He lives next to Isabelle, all alone. He’s the scariest man I’ve ever seen. Always peeking from behind the curtains. I’ve been in his house once, its so dark and dank. The man should be forcibly removed from this place!”
Rachel nodded vehemently in agreement, “If I didn’t know better, it was Miles that committed those murders!”
A silence fell over the women. Rachel looked shocked at her own words.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
Susan put her hand on Rachel’s shoulder, “It’s alright Rachel, could have happened to any of us.”
“Murders?” Juliet inquired again.
“Three of our friends were tragically killed a few months ago, all of them were pregnant.” Susan explained. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I’d rather not discuss it actually, it was a difficult time for all of us.”
Juliet nodded and offered Susan a comforting hug.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Susan. All of you really. What a terrible tragedy.”
Susan wiped the tears from her eyes.
“But lets not dwell, come along upstairs for our class!” She pulled Juliet along behind her as the women climbed the stairs to Caroline’s studio.
Caroline Smith turned out to be a kind woman in her late 40’s who lead a unique workout session for the pregnant women in the neighborhood. Because she was already so fit, Juliet had no problem keeping up. She actually enjoyed the class immensely. Caroline provided a warm friendly environment and offered many helpful tips.
As they were leaving, Caroline drew her aside.
“Allison, you did so wonderful today! You and your husband must join my Lamaze class. We meet tomorrow night.” Juliet nodded enthusiastically.
“I had a wonderful time Caroline! I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After the class was over, Juliet joined Susan in the car, and accompanied her on her afternoon errands. During a trip to pick up Jared’s new suits, she purchased her own fake husband a new gray-blue sweater which she thought would match his eyes perfectly. Susan approved.
When they pulled back into Susan’s driveway after picking up the kids from soccer practice, it was nearly 5 o’clock.
“Oh where did the day go?” Susan shrieked. “You and Brad must come over for dinner tonight! I’m making my patented baked ziti.”
Juliet smiled widely, “Oh Susan, you’ve been so wonderful all day. Thank you! What time should we be over?”
“I’d say around seven thirty.” Susan said, “That will give me time to feed the kids first.”
Juliet parted ways with her neighbor, and crossed the lawn to her own house. The woman was really beginning to grow on her. Once inside, Juliet removed all of the notes she’d taken on the neighborhood loner, Miles Bennison from her purse. She needed to ask Lassiter to run a background check once he got home.
Twenty minutes later her doting “husband” walked through the door.
She heard a sarcastic call of “Honey, I’m home!” come from the front hall and she practically ran to greet him.
“How was your day? Find out anything?” She inquired.
Lassiter nodded enthusiastically. “Indeed I did, O’Hara. After some major research I found out there is a registered sex offender in this neighborhood. I spent the day going through his records, he has been arrested for assaulting numerous pregnant women.” Juliet paled.
“I think we’ve got our guy.” He finished.
“Is his name Miles Bennison by any chance?” She inquired.
“What? How did you do that O’Hara? Are you channeling Spencer now?”
Juliet giggled. “No, but I spent the day with Susan Monmouth and her friends, he’s the talk of the town.”
“Good.” Lassiter added. “Find out anything else before we run over there and arrest him?”
“We can’t just yet Carlton, it’s only an assumption. Lets keep him under surveillance for now. Besides, we have dinner plans.”
“We do?”
“Yes, at the Monmouth’s.”
“Fine,” Lassiter agreed. “Let’s go.”
“Not like that!” Juliet waved at his suit. “I bought you a present today!” she suddenly remembered, and ran to get the sweater.
“It’s nice, thank you.” Lassiter said, turning it over in his hands.
“Well aren’t you going to put it on?” She inquired. Lassiter sighed and trooped up to the bedroom to change. He reappeared minutes later wearing the sweater and a pair of dark jeans. There was an odd bulge just under his left arm.
“What is that?” Juliet inquired, pointing at the bulge.
“I’m going to wear a jacket, don’t worry O’Hara.”
“You are not wearing your holster to dinner at our neighbors house, Lassiter.”
“But! I always wear it!”
“No!” She shrieked, and pulled up the sweater to detach it. Lassiter froze. It was at that moment that Juliet realized that snaking her hands up her partners’ shirt was probably wildly inappropriate. Nevertheless, she retrieved the gun and took a step back, placing it on the kitchen counter.
“Sorry,” she muttered quietly.
“No problem.” He answered gruffly, straightening out his sweater. “Let’s go shall we?”
As they exited the house and began the walk across the yard, Lassiter reached down and took her hand. It was a simple gesture, but suddenly Juliet’s entire body felt red hot. She really had a crush on this man, she thought, as they neared the Monmouth’s door. As Lassiter reached up to knock, Juliet pulled his hand down in hesitation.
“Wait,” she said quietly, moving her hand to his face. Slowly she reached up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Their eyes closed as the electricity shot through their bodies.
“Juliet…” Lassiter murmured. The use of her first name only spurred her on as Juliet moved to deepen the kiss. “Wait,” he added. She quickly pulled back, alarmed.
“Carlton, I’m..I’m so sorry.” She stammered. “I didn’t realize you wouldn’t feel the same way.”
“It’s not that.” He smiled. “It’s just that once you start, I don’t think I can stop.” Juliet beamed. He pointed to the door. “Dinner first,” he reminded her. “We’ll deal with that later.”
Juliet turned back to the Monmouth’s front door as Lassiter knocked. Her whole body was filled with intense excitement. This was going to be the longest dinner of her life.
- - - - - - - - -
A/N: Hope you liked it! More to come soon.