Booth and Brennan returned from lunch to find everyone already on the platform processing the remains of the woman they had found that morning. Dr. Saroyan and Wendell were bent over one table, the young intern busy categorizing the visible fractures while Cam looked for any traces of tissue. Hodgins and Angela were at another table sorting through the clothing looking for particulates or possible identifying accessories. As they stepped on the platform Cam spoke up, "So far we have found very little tissue, the fact that we've found anything at all is very unusual."

"I have a theory regarding that one," Hodgins spoke up as he and Angela made their way over. "If the body had been wrapped in something protective and caught on the bottom of the river, the colder temperatures might be responsible for preserving the tissue. Maybe the FBI techs should look for some kind of tarp or something while they're out there."

Booth nodded as he wrote down the information. He'd call the crime scene guys on his way back to the office. "Any luck identifying the body yet?"

"So far all we've managed to find is what appears to be an identification tag that was sewn into the clothing. There's quite a bit of damage, but I might be able get something." Angela said stepping away with the tray containing the evidence. "Let me know when you've finished the tissue markers so I can work on her facial reconstruction."

As Angela left the platform, Booth followed her with his eyes for a moment to make sure she was heading to her office. He focused back on the group in time to hear Bones ask, "Mr. Bray have you found anything on the skeleton to indicate cause of death?"

"No, all of the fractures appear to have been caused after the body had been in the water for a while. Due to the significantly decreased bone density, I would say the deceased suffered from severe osteoporosis. That would have made walking around difficult, maybe she just fell into the river and couldn't save herself."

"It's still too early in the process to begin using conjecture. I'll expect a report after you've finished a more thorough examination. Have you found anything useful Hodgins?"

"I've taken a sampling of the algae found on the clothing, I also found some sand and unidentified beetle eggs that may help me locate where the body entered the water." Hodgins quipped stepping off the platform, "I'm off to play nursemaid to a new life."

"I think I have as much as I'm going to be able to get of the tissue. Wendell, you may begin preparation of the skeleton." Cam turned to Booth. "I'm going to run a tox screen, I'll let you know as soon as I have the results."

Booth and Brennan nodded to Cam as they walked toward Bones' office. Booth used the excuse of asking if the osteoporosis could help identify the victim. He was certain had that been a possibility, she would have asked Angela to research it already, but he needed a reason to head in the direction of Angela's office. He didn't really want Bones to know he was going to talk to her yet. Right now his focus was on a little damage control. With a wave to Bones and a quick, "See ya later," Booth then made a beeline for Angela.

Angela didn't turn around from her computer when Booth stepped in her office. Instead she threw over her shoulder as a greeting, "I had a feeling you'd be stopping by on your way out."

Booth wasn't even sure why he asked, "What makes you say that?"

Spinning in her chair she retorted, "Well, it could be that 'man on a mission' look you had in your eye downstairs. I can see you are in need of answers, and not just about our current case."

Booth decided arguing Angela's obviously correct observations would be a waste of time. Instead he got right to the point, "Look, this book thing. I know she's talked to you about it." Booth held up his hand when Angela started to speak. "I'm not here to get you to tell me what she said. I'm here to ask for advice."

The look on Angela's face let him know she appreciated his concern for protecting her friend's privacy. Booth brought a chair over sitting down in front of her. "I just need to know how to proceed. I need to know if now is the right time for this, or if I should give her a little space."

Booth leaned forward intent on learning any information he could from Angela's face or body language. He knew he would memorize everything she said. His world depended on it.

"I think she's open more now than before, but I don't think she's come to a decision yet on how deep she's willing to dig. She's still trying to gather all the facts and some of those facts will need to come from you. Patience would also be a virtue in this particular instance."

"I seem to be in short supply of that lately. I'm not sure how much patience I have left."

"Yeah, we've all seen you've had a shorter fuse lately. It feels a little like the O.K. corral around here with all the gun slinging." Angela's face reflected concern. "Have you considered that this book could be a good thing? Maybe get things out in the open so you guys can talk."

"That's the same thing Sweets said."

"Geesh, he and I seem to be doing that a lot today."

"Bones already mentioned you agreed we were alike deep down. So you agree with everything else Sweets wrote?"

"You've read the book, huh?" Booth felt the blush at her comment creep up his face. He could see by her smirk it hadn't gone unnoticed. Why did he ask the pointless question? Deciding not to hide what he was feeling, he didn't look away, this was too important. He just waited. Angela searched his face for a few more moments, satisfied with what she saw, "I must say I'm a little surprised you would ask that. I would have thought Brennan would have been the only one oblivious to my double-entendres."

"I haven't been oblivious." Booth bent putting his head in his hands. He knew he could trust Angela with his secrets just as Bones had done. "The thing is, I know Bones. I know she needs time to gather all the evidence, process everything and come to a decision." Booth raised his head and Angela gasped at the torment she saw there. "But God, I wish this could be over, just one way or the other. Then I'd know. And no matter how it turned out I could move on, because this not knowing is killing me."

Angela put her hand on his arm and he appreciated the comforting gesture. "Hang in there Booth. At least she's asking questions now, right? Before she wouldn't allow herself that, and you know Brennan, when she really begins working something out, it doesn't take her long to make up her mind. Just be around in case she needs any help doing it."

He could do that. He knew from experience that a little gentle nudging on his part could help point Brennan in the right direction. If she was still asking questions then she hadn't yet reached a decision, and that meant Booth still had time to convince her. Booth's grin was contagious. "Oh, don't you worry. I intend to help her any way I can."

As Booth left her office, Angela was glad to see his cocky strut return. She had no doubts that if anyone could persuade Brennan to their way of thinking it would be Booth.