A/N This story is my attempt to occupy myself over the summer hiatus. I will attempt to publish at least weekly - on Thursday. I would appreciate whatever feedback you are willing to take the time to share. I don't care for long a/n, so let me apply the standard disclaimer, I own only my own bones, not 'Bones' *sigh*.
Booth sat on the steps of the church, devastated. He had known this was a possibility. It had been in the back of his mind since Max first brought it up, but he still wasn't ready to face it. He was the heart guy, and his heart wasn't ready to concede defeat.
Even as the thought entered his head, he balked at it. Pelant may have won this battle, but he will make sure that they win the war. He was a sniper, and he was the best. He knew how to be patient, to play the long game. One shot, one kill. The next time they had him in their sites, whether literally or figuratively, he'd make sure it was the last.
First things first: debriefing. He knew what was waiting for him at home. Warrants, both to search their house, and to arrest his Bones. He had the envelope Max left in his car, after repairing the damage he'd done. It was the least he could have done, as far as Booth was concerned. He opened it, and found her beautiful handwritten letter inside.
Booth,
I am penning this letter with great remorse. I am so sorry that I cannot stay, nor leave Christine, but it was the logical choice. If I were to be arrested, I would be vulnerable within the penitentiary system. You would be unable to focus on your job, as you would be distracted trying to protect me. Taking Christine was a difficult decision as well. Please know that I chose this with great difficulty. I did not wish to deprive you of your child, but Christine's nutritional requirements are best met by me, and you can focus on proving my innocence.
I did not wish to leave you, even less so without an opportunity to apologize, which is the purpose of this letter. You could not know of my plans, or you would be placed in harm's way as well. You need to remain, for Parker, and to find Pelant.
I am aware that you will likely need to submit this correspondence to the FBI to prove you were uninvolved in my plans to be on the kid (you must explain to me when I return what infant farm animals have to do with fleeing). I am unsure as to whether I will be able to communicate my feelings to you prior to my departure. Considering this, I wish to say the following, despite our understanding that what is ours is ours: I am not in a relationship with you solely because of our progeny. I am exceedingly happy to have Christine, however, I have found that my love for you is something much greater than I can attribute solely to having procreated together.
It is unlikely that I will be able to communicate with you again until my name is cleared, so it is with heavy heart (metaphorically) that I must now end this letter, as I have much to do before I depart.
With love and deepest regret,
Your 'Bones'
She was right, of course. He had to turn it over to Flinn if he had any hope of being reinstated, and he needed to be. First, prove he was not involved in Bones' disappearance, then face the music for his confrontation with Pelant. He won't be allowed near the case, officially, but FBI resources will prove invaluable at some point very soon, he was sure of it.
He couldn't think about what she had said, both in person and in print, right now. It would only tear him up. He'd think about it later, when he had her back in his arms, where she belonged.