Title: Prayer of Innocence

Pairing: Brennan/Booth

Rating: M

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Brennan and Booth are owned by FOX. Sadly Booth is not mine.

Chapter 5

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

Brennan moaned and rolled over. She reached out and punched her alarm. 6am. As usual her dreams had been interrupted by the ringing of her alarm although usually she would have fallen asleep a lot earlier and therefore her dreams would have usually progressed further then they had last night. As Brennan made a move to walk into her bathroom and commence her daily routine before leaving for work she allowed herself to dwell over her dream. She had been having them for a while now. Although she was not exactly sure when they started now it was the only reason at the moment that she looked forward to sleeping.

It was always started the same, her and Booth finishing a case. From there though the details were always different. Sometimes it would be a drink at Wong Foo's, other times it would be dinner in her office, all things which they had done at some stage during their working relationship. However, what usually followed was not. All of a sudden they would be at her place the tension between them was incredible and before she knew it Booth would be kissing her. On the couch, in the kitchen, up against the wall or even the bedroom. Not that this was a one sided thing. She would be swept up in the moment and would be actively participating sometimes even more than Booth.

Brennan looked at herself in her mirror. She was flushed just remembering the dream. Brennan smiled and jumped into the shower. This was the first time she had felt like smiling since Angela had called her into her office to see the report on Booth. So much had changed since then. Asides from being excluded from any investigation involving Booth. The FBI had brought back her ex-boyfriend to help her in their current investigation. She knew that she was going to have to face Sully at some stage. It was unlike her to be shy and so withdrawn from her own feelings. Usually she is the first to tell the truth and put all her cards out on the table. The only thing that Brennan could contribute to this was her realisation of her feelings for Booth. She was scared of the way this was making her feel. She hadn't just lost her partner, she had lost the man she loved.

Brennan jumped out of the shower with this last thought in her head. The man she loved. He would know that she wouldn't rest until she had sorted this mess out and if she needed to complete this current case to do so then so be it. Brennan quickly dressed grabbed a coffee in her travel mug and jumped into her car to head towards the Jeffersonian. She was going to get some answers and she was going to get her man. Wow Angela must be rubbing off on her. She had never really thought of Booth as her man but she supposed situations like this put things into perspective.

Brennan pulled up to the Jeffersonian noting that Sully's car was already in the car park. She sighed. Just focus on the case and the facts Brennan nothing else.

"Sully"

"Tempe"

"It is a bit early to be here for the facial reconstruction. Angela won't be in for an hour or so."

"I didn't come here to talk to you about the case this morning Tempe. I came here to talk about us."

"Sully, until this case is finished I think it will be better that we keep things strictly business. I am sorry if this not what you wanted to hear but that is the way it is going to have to be."

"Ok"

Brennan looked at Sully. Angela had been right in saying that he was looking to rekindle their romance. Well at least now she would be able to focus on the case and Booth.

As Sully left her office, Brennan made her way to her desk. A bright blue folder was sitting on her keyboard. Hodgins had run an analyse on some of the particulars found on the bones and clothing. Although the bones seemed to have come up clean there were some traces of pollen attached to some of the clothing. This pollen was quite unique and the flowers were only found in one area. Brennan sprang from her desk grabbing the report and running through the lab.

"Sully, wait."

Brennan handed him the report.

"Just let me confirm a few facts with Hodgins. I want to get some pictures of the flowers and a detailed map of the area."

Sully agreed with Brennan and followed her back to her office.

"Have you managed to determine the cause of death from your preliminary examinations?"

"Well Zach has narrowed it done to a cutting implement of some description. Although there is a bullet wound to the back of his head the victim was already dead before that was inflicted. I have Zach checking to see if he can narrow down the weapon."

"Well once we have a face hopefully we will be able to ID this guy and go from there. How long do you think he has been dead for?"

"Zach and I agree that it could be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The report which Hodgins left seems to indicate the same thing."

"Well the information that Booth had gathered indicated that the foundations were poured about 7 years ago. There were repair works done 4 years ago which fits your time frame."

Brennan looked away at the mention of Booth.

"Tempe. I am sorry. For the record I can't believe what people are saying. Booth was a good agent but the evidence seems to be mounting against him"

"Evidence, what evidence?"

"Well it seems that he has had a number of suspect deposits into his bank accounts and a number of stolen items have been found in his apartment. They also found receipts for purchases which on Booth's salary can not be explained. Apparently it has been going on for months."

Brennan focused on her breathing. She was not going to believe it. The fact that Sully could sit there so calmly and talk about Booth that way made her mad. As she went to retaliate there was a knock at her office door.

"Sweetie. I have a face for you."

Chapter Six

Brennan looked outside the window watching as the scenery went rushing past her. It seemed to be a perfect analogy for the way in which she lived her life. She sat still in her office while everyone around her continued on their journeys. Sure she found it easier to be around dead people but what was she missing out on by doing so. Booth had always tried to educate her in the ways of the "real world" as he called it. He had been pulling her kicking and screaming to begin with, but lately she had been enjoying herself more and more. Not that she had told him that. Although, looking back Brennan realised that the only reason that she still protested was to ensure that Booth continued to plan those little outings. She had been scared that once he realised that she was enjoying herself he would leave her to continue on her own. It had never been the activities that her and Booth participated in, it was the fact that she was spending time with him, that had left her reluctant to show her enjoyment and appreciation.

Brennan laid her head on the window letting the coolness of the glass sooth her head. Again, sleep had been a long time coming and when it did she dreamed of him yet again. The dreams, hot and heavy as always, now ended with Booth slowly moving further away from her she would yell and run after him but he just continued to walk away, had plagued her all night long. Finally around 5 am she had given up trying to sleep and decided to get herself into the lab. Brennan was so caught up in her thoughts that she had not even noticed that Sully had been speaking to her for the past few minutes.

"Tempe"

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

Sully looked at her briefly before turning his attention back to the road in front of him.

"I asked how you slept. You seem a little unfocused this morning. Are you sure you don't want me to take you back to the lab?"

"I am fine, Sully. Let's go and get this over with. I want to get this case finalised."

Brennan turned her attention back to the scenery flashing past her window. The composite that Angela had developed had been run through the FBI databases and they had established that the victim was Joseph Kent, a jeweller who had been reported missing. They were now on the way to speak to his family to let them know what they had found and to see if there was any information that could help them with their investigation. It had been late by the time the match had been found so Brennan had spent the rest of the night at the lab reading through the missing persons case file. The original investigation did not really have a lot to go on. Kent had headed to work as on any other day and just never come home. A number of valuable items from the jewellery stores inventory list had remained unaccounted for and seemed to point towards someone running out of town rather than going missing. These pieces had still yet to be recovered. Brennan had been curious about this. Why would you take valuable items when leaving town if you were not going to sell them? Facts. We need to get all the facts.

"We are here."

Brennan focused on the house in front of her. A small little suburban house, in a street where every house is the same as the next. Scenarios like this never failed to sadden Brennan. Humans were meant to evolve and continue developing. Not place themselves inside of a pre-described mould and conform to those around them.

Brennan and Sully walked up towards the house.

"Nice neighbourhood. Looks a little Stepford out here."

"I don't know what that means Sully."

"Sorry Tempe, movie analogy I will explain later."

Sully rang the doorbell and they both waited. The door opened and a lady in her mid sixties opened the door. She smiled at them.

"Good morning. May I help you?"

"We are looking for Mrs. Kent."

"I am sorry she is out at the moment. She is just off dropping the children off at school."

"I am Special Agent Sully from the FBI and this is Dr Brennan from the Jeffersonian. May we come in and wait?"

The lady ushered them inside and towards the living room.

"Is this about Joseph?"

Brennan looked at Sully and left him to answer this one. Booth always told her not to speak in these occasions she inevitably say the wrong thing.

"I'm sorry I'll need to speak to your daughter Mrs?"

The lady turned her attention towards Brennan.

"Did you say your name is Dr. Brennan? You must be Temperance."

The bright smile that adorned the lady's face meant one thing to Brennan. Another book fan. Brennan smiled at her and casually looked around the room. As she went to reply a family picture on the mantel on the far wall got her attention. The bright belt buckle stood out a mile away. She would know that Belt buckle anywhere. Brennan turned back towards the women in front of her and studied her again.

"Mrs. Booth?"

Chapter 7

Brennan slowly walked back into the lab. Walking towards her office she registered and dismissed the voices calling her name. Sully had tried to speak to her after they had left the Kent household, she hadn't heard him and he had thankfully given up. Brennan stared at the pig on her desk. A present from Booth, which held the prize spot next to her computer, on her desk. Although at this very moment she felt like hurling it across the room. She wasn't meant to meet his family this way. It was meant to be fun, happy and loving, the exact opposite of her childhood. Booth always spoke so warmly of his family and she had always been jealous of their closeness. Tears she had been holding back all week started to stream out of her eyes. She couldn't hold it off anymore. She had never allowed herself to get involved with a case but this one was just too close. Brennan felt two arms come around and hold her tight. Brennan made a move to escape the hold. Sully just wouldn't understand.

"Sweetie"

Brennan relaxed as she heard her best friend's voice.

"I can't Ang. I just can't" Brennan held onto her best friend as if she was the last person alive. Allowing herself to cry for the first time since this whole ordeal had started. Had it only been 3 days. It felt like a lifetime. Brennan finally untangled herself from Angela and looked around realising that some how they had ended up sitting on the floor in front of her desk. She was shocked to find that she was still holding her little pig in her hand. Although she had lost the ability to stand, she was not going to let anything happen to her gift from Booth.

"I am sorry."

"Sweetie, never be sorry. That's what best friends are for."

"I know but I never let my emotions get involved but this case is as personal to me as my mother's"

"Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes letting a friend share your burden eases your mind. Yes, I know you can't actually give ease to your mind."

A small smile appeared on Brennan's face as her own words were used against her. Angela was right. She couldn't share anything with Sully he would be hurt by her feelings for Booth. Maybe this would help her.

Brennan looked at the floor and took a deep breath as she started to tell the story of her day at the Kent household.

"When we arrived at the Kent house we knocked and an older lady answered the door and informed us that her daughter was taking the kids to school and she invited us in to wait. We were sitting in the lounge when she recognised me. I assumed she knew me from my books but then I noticed something. A family picture which included the most stubborn, obnoxious, pig headed, selfish and sexy guy I know. The woman was Booth's mother. Apparently Booth's sister is, was, married to Joseph."

Brennan looked at Angela who had tears in her eyes. She needed to get this out while she still could. She looked away and continued.

"Apparently, her, her daughter and the grand kids have been away for the past week visiting relatives and only arrived back last night. So not only did we have to tell them that we had identified Joseph's body but we also had to explain about Booth."

Brennan could still remember the look which had come over both of the Booth woean when she had told them the last part.

"I couldn't even stay and answer their questions I just got up and walked out. What is wrong with me? People who Booth love were hurting and I just walked away. I deal with people I don't even know with more compassion and understanding than that"

Angela grabbed a tissue and handed it to Brennan as tears began to form.

"Sometimes it is easier to deal with people we don't know. I am sure Booth's family will understand. It is obvious they know that you work with him which means he has told them how wonderful you are. Maybe you could go back and speak to them tomorrow, after they have had a chance to contact the Bureau and get given the official information."

Brennan's mobile started ringing. She looked at the caller ID. It was Rebecca. She had spoken to Parker every afternoon when he got back in from day care and he gave her messages for Booth and she gave him messages from Booth. Rebecca had decided that it would not be wise for Parker to be aware about what was going on and Brennan had agreed to keep up the charade for Parker's sake.

"Sorry Ang. I need to take this."

"Hi Parker." Brennan turned away as she noticed a look of interest appear upon Angela's face. This was something that she hadn't mentioned to her friend.

"Hi Dr. Bones. How did you know it would be me?"

"Well Parker, I am magic you know. How was day care?"

"It was fine. I made Daddy a painting of us down at the park. I made you a painting too."

"Well thank you Parker I can't wait to see it and as soon as your Dad finishes the very important work he is doing he will want to see his painting too."

"Dr. Bones, guess who is at my house?" Brennan laughed. It was unbelievable the way in which the mind of a child seemed to work. No logical thought process at all. Her conversations with Parker often started in one place and always ended up in the complete opposite.

"Who?"

"My grandma. She has been on holiday but she is home now."

"Oh" Brennan bit her lip. This couldn't be good.

"Mummy wants to talk now. Bye Dr. Bones Love you."

"Love you too, Parker. Bye."

"Temperance?"

"Hi Rebecca."

"Can you come over?"

"Yeah. How does six sound?" Brennan really wanted o run and hide under her desk but she was going to have to face Booth's family at some stage.

"Great we will see you then."

Brennan hung up the phone and stared at Angela.

"Booth's mum is at Rebecca's and they want me to come over tonight."

"Sweetie. Don't worry it will be fine. Booth did not become the wonderful man you know without some pretty great parents. She will understand."

"You are right. She might even have information for me as I sort of skipped that whole part of the interview process this afternoon."

"Well I am going to get Zach and Hodgins working hard on the fibre and particulate analysis on Joseph while you go freshened up."

Brennan stopped her friend from leaving.

"Thanks Angela. I couldn't have made it this far without you."

Angela just nodded and continued her way out of Brennan's office. She turned back and looked at Brennan with a cheeky smile on her face.

"Sexy hey?"

Brennan walked towards Angela looked at her smiled and then slowly closed the door.

Chapter 8

Brennan stood outside the door at Rebecca's house. As she raised her hand to ring the door bell she noticed it shaking. Come on Temperance get it together, you have been shot at and buried alive, you can handle this. It was only Booth's family. Yeah ok he loved them with a passion that she envied but they defiantly weren't scary. What if she doesn't like me? Brennan couldn't believe what she was thinking. It had never mattered before if people like her or not, but this was Booth's mother. Her thoughts were completely irrational. Booth would still be her friend even if his Mum didn't like her. Why was the approval of a woman she had met once mean so much to her? Was it that she was envious of the relationship that Booth had with his Mum? Or was it just the fact that Brennan knew that to be with Booth the family came along as part of the package and she wanted every opportunity for them to have a chance at least at being together. She had been without him for almost a week now and she was falling apart inside.

"Dr Bones. Why are you standing outside?"

Brennan looked down to see Parker staring back up at her. Well she at least knew where Parker got his eyes from.

"Sorry Parker. I was just about to ring the bell." Brennan knelt down to his level. She was unsure of what to do, she wasn't good with kids. Before she knew it Parker had thrown his little arms around her neck. Brennan hugged him back.

"That hug was for you and this one" he dived back into Brennan's arms clutching her even tighter than before "is for my Dad. Can you please give it to him for me?"

Brennan had to fight back the tears in her eyes.

"Of course Parker. He will be so happy to get a hug from you"

Parker grabbed her hand before she could say anything else and pulled her inside the house.

"Mum look who was at the door"

"Hi Rebecca. Hi Mrs Booth." Brennan stood at the doorway to the lounge room where the two other ladies in Booth's life were sitting having coffee.

"Don't go anywhere Dr Bones. I have something for you." Brennan watched as Parker took off down the hall.

Brennan stood and looked at Mrs Booth.

"Mrs. Booth please let me apologise for my abruptness this morning. I was shocked and really didn't handle the situation very well."

Mrs Booth stood and walked over towards her. She opened her arms and engulfed Brennan in a hug. Brennan not really sure what to do put her arms up and hugged the woman back. It was comforting and safe. It had been a long time since she had been hugged like that. When they each pulled away they both had tears in their eyes.

"Dr. Brennan please call me Juliet. You have nothing to apologise for. I am sure that was not the way you expected your morning to go. Seeley speaks of you all the time and Rebecca has told me how great you have been with Parker since this whole fiasco started. I just wish that I had gotten back from my holidays earlier."

"Please call me Temperance, Juliet. How is your daughter?" Juliet pulled Brennan towards the lounge and motioned for her to sit.

"She is handling this alot better than I thought she would. Joseph had only been missing for the past week. I really don't know if it has hit her. I think the next few days will be tough but I am sure we will get through it."

"Temperance can I get you some tea or coffee?" Rebecca spoke for the first time since Brennan had arrived.

"Tea would be great thanks." Brennan couldn't help wondering why Booth had never mentioned that his brother-in-law was missing. Ok so with the all the drama surrounding her family maybe he hadn't wanted to bother her. Damm that man. He looked after her all the time, she was sure this was one of the times that she could have been there for him. Again there he was protecting her from the horrors of the world. When would that man learn that the horrors would always be there no matter what he did. The only thing she needed was him standing by her side to make them all fade away. They were meant to be partners. Brennan was getting madder and madder. He was going to be in so much trouble when she found him.

Rebecca walked back into the lounge with some tea.

"So have you heard anything more about Booth?"

Brennan looked back at Rebecca.

"No. The FBI won't tell me anything. They have assigned me another FBI agent at the moment and we have been busy working the case. I need to get this one closed and then hopefully they will let me into the investigation. I know I am not a detective but I want to see the evidence. I am mean, he is my partner it should entitle me to something."

"Thanks Temperance. Please let us know if you need anything or if we can be of any help. I don't think there are going to be many people on our side during this. Booth is going to need a lot of support."

While Juliet had been speaking she had taken Brennan's hand into her own. Brennan still wasn't a tactile person but couldn't bring herself to remove her hand from Juliet's warm grasp.

They sat there in silence drinking their tea. Rebecca moved out of the lounge mentioning something about Parker being gone for too long.

Brennan's mobile broke the silence.

"Brennan"

"Hodgins, slow down. Pollen from what?"

"So it is a foreign species. Did you check the nurseries in town?"

"Specifically ordered by who? What's the address? Hang on let me get a pen." Brennan hunted around in her bag for her notebook and pen.

"Ok. I got it. Can you call Sully and have him meet me there?"

"Ok. Thanks Hodgins." Brennan looked back at Juilet.

"I am sorry, I am going to have to go. We have a lead on Joseph's case." Brennan handed Juliet her business card.

"Here are my details. Please call if you need anything or if you hear from Booth. I don't know if he has been released or if they are still holding him."

Juliet took the card and nodded.

Parker came running back into the room, followed shortly by his mother.

"I have to go. Sorry Parker. Sorry Rebecca."

"Here Dr. Bones I made you a present. It is you, me and Dad in the park. When Dad finishes the special assign, assign, assignment will you please come with us?"

Brennan looked down towards the boy in front of her. So that is where Booth has learned the puppy dog face from. She could never say no to Booth when he did that.

"Ok Parker. Deal."

Brennan took the drawing. It looked like a jumble of colours but she could make out three people, swings and a slide.

"This is lovely Parker. Thank you. How about you work on a picture for your Dad so you can give it to him when he finishes work?"

"Ok. Dr. Bones." Parker waved goodbye and raced back out of the room.

"Thanks for that Temperance. You are so good with him. I appreciate you help." Brennan couldn't believe what she was hearing. Good with kids? Her?

Brennan turned and made her way to the front door. She turned to say goodbye and impulsively gave both of the women a hug before leaving. As she shut the front door she wondered what had come over her. Angie was the only female she ever hugged and they had known each other for years. Brennan felt a connection with them both. Something she rarely ever felt with other females. Maybe it was their relationships with Booth. Or maybe it was that they were all fighting together to reach the same goal.

Brennan looked down at the paper in her hand. Ok Brennan, time to pull yourself together and go and catch the bad guys. Somehow though, without Booth by her side, it just wasn't the same.