Sorry for the delay...
Again-don't own them!
Chapter 4
"Bones. Hey Bones. Wakey wakey! We're here!" Booth says in a cheery voice.
"I wasn't sleeping. Just taking in the scenery. I just can't get over how beautiful it is here." She says as she glances at Booth. "It's just a shame that we have to come here on a case is all."
"I know. Lets get this over with. The sooner we get the job done, the sooner we can look around, Ok?"
"Sure thing Booth. Anything you say." She says with a lopsided smile.
'Show time' he thinks to himself. 'I just hope she's nice to them.'
They are pulling into the Visitors Center as Brennan comes back to reality.
"Ok Bones Remember names, please."
"Booth, my people skills have improved quite considerably since we started being partners."
"You've improved, but still have a ways to go. All I'm saying is to be nice."
"Fine! Lets do this your way. You do ALL of the talking and I'll do ALL of the work!" she shoots back at him. 'How dare he! I've been working hard at being more polite. I may not be the most tactful person but I've tried and will continue to try. I've bought books. I've even been watching TV even though most shows are illogical.
"Bones, stop being so damn defensive!" he spouts as he opens her door. He's at a loss on how to handle her sometimes. He just wants to get this case done and over with. 'I like working cases but there are times that I just want to kick back and relax. I just want to relax.'
Booth is in awe. He's heard how impressive the battlefields are but to be standing where such an epic battle occurred sent shivers down his spine.
Upon entering the visitors center they are greeted by Park Ranger Rebecca Filling and Agent David Coors. Ranger Filling immediately recognizes Brennan.
"Dr. Brennan, it's a pleasure to meet you." Ranger Filling says as she is extending her hand. She introduces herself and Agent Coors to Brennan and Booth. Brennan approaches the Ranger and shakes her hand. Brennan admires women who operate and work in a predominantly male field.
Booth introduces himself feeling kind of left out. 'I introduce Bones.'
Agent Coors gives Booth an update as Ranger Filling and Brennan look over from interesting artifacts on display.
"Ok Bones, lets take a hike! We have a case to solve. Chop Chop!" Booth pipes in to the other conversation.
Agent Coors turns to address Brennan. He is more than happy to speak to her. He's read her book and has been envious of Booth for getting to work with such a beautiful and intelligent woman. "Dr. Brennan, the scene has been secured and everyone ordered not to touch a thing. As I've explained to Special Agent Booth, the body was found bu a couple who were out exploring that area of the park. McPherson's Ridge is a short drive from here. If you're ready we can head over there now."
"Coincidently, where the body was located is also where the 1st day of battle was fought." added Ranger Filling.
"That's one of three ridges Buford's army occupied during the first day of fighting." Booth chimes in. The others in the room turn to face him. Brennan has a very puzzled look on her face. "What?" Booth says defensively. 'Why are they staring? Do I have something on my face? Worse, a booger!' He quickly turns and takes a swipe at his nose. "Let's go people!" he yells back at the group as he heads to the SUV.
Brennan trots out the door to catch up with him. "I didn't know you were interested in HISTORY!" She says sarcastically. Even if they have been partners for so long, she was still learning that there was more to him than meets the eye.
"Ya know Bones, I'm not as uneducated as you may think. I can read and it just so happens I enjoy books on the Civil War!"
"I never insinuated that you were dumb Booth. I'm just surprised at your particular knowledge of this" she says as she gestures around them.
"Well I wasn't just a sniper. Growing up in Philly I kept myself occupied with reading about the war. Then when I went on missions I tried to make sure that I always had a book with me. That was how I survived. I would choose to take myself to another time and another place. Escape reality."
"I'm sorry that I pried." Brennan says as she looks into his intense brown eyes. She knows that his past is as checkered as hers. He's got a lot of demons still haunting him. That's why they are so alike.
"I hate to interrupt but we should be going. There are a lot of people expected here in the next week. Having any part of the park closed is going to hurt us." interjects Ranger Filling. She knows that this is the busiest time of the year for them and just wants this over.
"Sorry." Booth and Brennan say in unison as they get into the SUV.
Making their way from the visitors center they pass the National Cemetery and Gettysburg Hospital. Weaving around the grounds Booth gives Brennan an impromptu lesson. "General Buford, with the Union, used this area through here to buy himself some time awaiting reinforcements. They had the high ground including Seminary Ridge and Herr Ridge. In this area during the first day the Confederates had several hundred men captured by Brigadier General Meredith." Booth states as he stares at his surroundings. "Enough history for now. Lets get us some bones, Bones!" He says with a cheeky smile.
"I'm actually very impressed with your vast knowledge of the Civil War. I'm sorry to seem so harsh but you just don't emulate yourself as a history buff."
"Awe Bones, I think you've just given me a compliment and an insult all in less than two minutes. Thanks!"
"I'm not making fun of you. I'm simply stating facts."
"Save your facts for the bones. Now vamoose! Up the hill please!" he says as he ushers towards the Ranger and Agent who are carefully watching their every move.
'Great, I'm being nice and attempting to have a polite conversation with him and I've screwed up again.' She thinks as she mentally smacks herself. 'I'll set this straight. I'll offer to buy dinner since he only gets $50 a day. That should improve his mood.'
Booth glances at Brennan while they are making their way through the small outcrop. 'She's debating something in that pretty little head of hers. Wait, did I just use the word pretty? What the hell is going on here? Jeez Booth, get a grip!'
Brennan notices his grimace. She still believes that she's done something to upset him. She needs to make this up to him. She knows what she needs to do. Stall. As much as it's unlike her, she feels she needs to do this for him.
"Come on Bones, lets get this over with."
