It was difficult for Booth and Tempe to tell their friends about their broken engagement. Both tried to put a brave face on it, and were relieved when (for once) everyone was too distracted by the Pelant case to interrogate them. Everyone that is-except for Sweets, who let them know in no uncertain terms that a partners session with him was mandatory if they were to continue to work together. A broken engagement, he explained, was just too big an emotional hurdle, and he claimed to be serious about separating them if they did not see him.
This was the last thing the broken-hearted partners needed right now, but since their romantic life was so fragile, each was desperate to keep their partnership. So both glumly entered Sweets' office, making sure to sit as far away from each other as possible.
Sweets surprised them by saying "it's odd to say about a room at the FBI, but we are "off-the-grid" here. I swept this place for every kind of bug/camera you can think of". He then added "Dr. Brennan, I think it might be my fault that your engagement is off. Here are the facts: Agent Booth came in here looking inordinately cheerful considering the impact Pelant has had on our lives. I warned him that your marriage would put you the two of you in jeopardy because you would each displace Pelant's importance in the others' lives, and that given his narcissism, he was likely to lash out further. Booth blew me off at the time, but he might have decided, upon reflection, to take my advice. For what it's worth, in my professional opinion, it would be better if you do not get married until we have nailed the bastard. Now I know that Agent Booth does not always take my advice, so my conjecture is that Pelant has done or said something to insidiously tear you apart, and that he has made it impossible for you to discuss it. Pardon me if I am over-stepping my boundaries here; I know you guys are tough, but this guy is a master at messing with people's brains. I'm hoping I can help you avoid that, or at least make you both aware of the possibility that this is going on.
Tempe looked at Booth tearfully and asked "did he"? Booth looked at his shoes, trying to decide if he could let on without having the responsibility of 5 deaths on his hands. Finally, he said, "it would be safer if we slept in separate rooms for the duration, but you are not, under any circumstances allowed to move out. I need to keep you and Christine safe, or my life will be over. It was bad enough when you and Christine had to leave last summer. I wish I could consign Pelant to the third circle of Hell."
Tempe looked at Booth. Booth looked at Tempe. Each face was tear-stained. Brennan noticed that Booth had turned out his pocket slightly and saw the velvet covered box just peeking out…