Disclaimer: Don't own Bones.
A/n: Wow, I was so shocked by the response to this that I had to immediately write another chapter. Quick clarification, Booth isn't 32 in this story, he's the same age he is in the show, which would still make him quite a young justice, but not quite so much.
All right, let me just say thank-you so much for the encouragement on this, I honestly feel quite anxious/queasy posting something so AU, so I really hope you guys keep me on the right track. I'm really trying to portray these characters in a completely different setting, but still maintain the basic essence behind them. So I really would like any feedback/thoughts on this or I'll be at a complete loss here.
Enjoy!
Favor
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" … Capitol Hill continues to be abuzz after the assassination attempt on newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Seeley Booth. The failed attempt occurred during yesterday's festivities on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and injured a veteran member of the Supreme Court's police force. Although the FBI has no leads as to the shooter, they are diligently pursuing all …"
"Angie, please stop watching that," Hodgins admonished, cringing at the footage playing along with the solemn newscaster's voice-over. "He's fine …"
"Yeah, for right now," she said, a little bit hysterically, rising up from the sofa. "I haven't been able to get a hold of him …"
"He's been interviewing clerks most of the day, I'm sure he'll call back as soon as he can," he soothed, walking over and enveloping her in a comforting hug. "Don't worry, I spoke to Cam, we're getting him personal security no matter how much he kicks and screams."
"I want Brennan."
"What?" he gasped, looking at his wife in horror. "Ange … are you kidding me?"
"She's the best," Angela said mulishly.
"Yeah," he conceded, before quickly pointing out, "She's also out of her mind."
"No, she's not," Angela defended. "She's perfectly rational and who else would I trust with this … Booth is family, Jack."
"I know, Ange, I know," he sighed, but he was not quite convinced that calling Temperance Brennan was the right way to go on this. "But god, Brennan … she's … shit, Ange, she's scary as hell and she's not exactly a people person and I already know Booth is going to put up a fight with this … I just don't think that it's the best option."
"I'm calling her, Jack," Angela decided stonily.
"Isn't she out of the country?" Hodgins asked hopefully, knowing the ex-CIA operative spent more time abroad than she did in D.C.
"She's back in D.C." Angela announced, going straight for her phone.
"Of course she is," he muttered, giving in. "I'll call Cam and let her know we're sending over the security detail she wanted."
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"Brennan."
"Hey, sweetie," Angela greeted, smiling at the slightly husky, clipped voice. "How was your trip?"
"Exhausting," Brennan replied, it was the same answer she always gave.
"Bren, I need a favor," she said softly and the silence on the other side of the line told Angela that Brennan was waiting for her to continue. "Have you watched the news lately?"
"You know I don't watch television."
"Right." Taking a deep breath, she said, "Someone I know is in danger. There was an attempt on his life yesterday, I need you to protect him."
"Why me?"
"Because he's in danger and no one is more dangerous than you," she said in brutal honesty and Brennan allowed herself the luxury of wincing at the clear implication, she was a killer, plain and simple.
"You know I don't do that anymore."
"I know, Bren, I know you use your PhD instead of your gun now," Angela's voice was apologetic. "And I'm sorry that I even have to ask, but …"
"I'm just a translator now, Ange," Brennan whispered, even as she knew it would be impossible to say no, she owed Angela her life and she would never be able to repay her.
"I'm so sorry," she repeated. "But there's no one I trust more than you and …"
"It's okay, Ange," Brennan sighed, already walking to her closet to pack a bag. "Of course, I'll help you." She let out a humorless chuckle. "I've killed plenty of people, protecting someone instead will be a nice change of step."
"Pace," Angela corrected automatically, but she was already frowning. "Bren, you did what you had to do, what the government ordered you to do, you had no choice."
"There's always a choice," she disagreed in a tone that made it clear that particular discussion was over. "So, who am I protecting and from what?"
"Seeley Booth," Angela said, naively expecting recognition.
"Who's that?"
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p.s. Review reply has taken a back seat since it's finals and I figured you're more interested in updates than replies anyway. But I'll get on top of it once the madness dies down. :)