Disclaimer, I don't own High School Musical or any of the characters associated with it.

Author's Notes: this will be a cross with Bones. It's not a traditional bone's story, but it's not posted for bones. So I don't care. Enjoy.

Author Note 2. I suffer from dyslexia and lack a beta reader. So if my spelling/ grammar really offend anyone would they like to volunteer?

Sorry for not updating for a while, I've been on Easter Break, which while in theory means I have more time to write, also means I have less access to a computer. So sorry, and I'll try to do better. As ever thanks for all my wonderful reviews.

Chapter 9

"I didn't kill her." Jack Bolton said, gazing at Booth.

"What happened to your gun, Mr. Bolton?"

"I left it behind when I left Hill Valley. With the man I thought would help Elizabeth." He sighed, "I'd guess I'd better explain." He ran his hands though his hair, and fixed his eye on a point over Booth's shoulder.

"I love Lucille, I really do. But it's not like...what I had with Betty."

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"They're mum's." Deanna repeated. She was shaking. They had by common consent moved into the living room. The four Bolton's were on the couch, everyone else was spread out over the room. Gabriella brought a cup of tea though. Deanna placed it down untasted.

"Mum had three bits of jewelry she said she wanted to be buried in. The ring dad gave her when they got married, her crucifix, and her bead necklace that uncle Jonny gave her before she left. The rest was ours…"

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"When I met Betty, I knew she was a mean drunk, but I figured, it was college and that she'd stop. She didn't. It got worse."

He ran his hands though his hair again, his whole body tense.

"I never stop loving her. Not even when the violence started. I used to wander how women could stick around when a guy was hitting them. Never thought I'd find out."

"Then why when you left did you leave your children in her care, despite knowing her problems?" Bones asked, confused.

Jack sighed.

"I wanted to help her. When we went to those AA meetings, they used to talk about enablers. Partners who perpetuated the problem. I thought I had to be that. Because she was a great mother."

He shook his head.

"I know it's hard to believe, but no matter what else she was, Betty was a great Mum! She always gave up drinking the minute she found out she was pregnant, even with Sam. That's how I know it wasn't the alcohol. I thought that if I wasn't in the picture, that she'd get it together. Clean up her act and…be O.K." he trailed into silence.

"I never thought, never imagined that she'd start hitting the kids. I only found out about when Deanna got in contact with me."

"So you claim that during those ten years you had no contact with your wife?" Booth demanded. "Or your children?" he added with deliberation.



"I know you think I'm scrum, but... yes."
"We've got a witness who says that you wrote to your wife requesting a divorce about a month before her death."

Jack's head sunk into his hands.

"Do you deny it?"

"no." Jack suddenly sounded very tired. "when I left, I also wanted to get out of basket ball. I'd done some coaching at the local youth centre. Loved any minute of it. So took a basic course, and here I am." He shrugged. "I met Lucille at one of the schools open evenings. It wasn't the passion I felt with Betty, but it was still," he shrugged. "Good. I told her the truth. She agreed with me that it. Shared your opinion of me. " He grimaced. "Eventually I told her that I'd write to Betty, asking for a divorce and access to the kids." He shook his head. "I gave Betty my mobile number before I left, but every time I tried to call her, she slammed the phone down, or left it off the hook. So I wrote to her. I thought I made it clear all I wanted was access. "He lifted his head and gazed at the two agents.

"Had I wanted Betty dead, I wouldn't have needed to shoot her. All I've had to do was get sole custody. Separation from her kids would have killed Betty."

"What about the gun?" Booth was clearly annoyed that they had wandered off course.

"Betty always hated that thing, wouldn't have it in the house. I was scared of what would happen to her, a woman on her own with kids, so when I left I gave it to the man I was sure would take my place."

"Who was that?"

"Biff Tandem."

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"The locket, the dog tags, the pendant and the bracelet. It's all here." Deanna continued distractedly, getting to her feet. "We have to call the FBI guy. Where's his number?"

Dave smiled at the look of astonishment on the face of the wildcat's faces.

If anything he was surprised at the time she's taken.

"You didn't touch anything did you?"

"No. not the jewelry or the letters." Dave said, gently, moving to take her hand in his. It was as cold as ice.

"The letters?" Deanna asked, turning to face him.

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The phone was ringing as they exited the office. Booth picked it up.

"Hello?" he said.

TBC

Author note. There are two more chapters of story, and an epilogue. So basically what I want to know is, do you want to hear from Biff or read the letters first? Also who do you want to be on the phone? Please let me know, I've had the chapters running in my head all break, and I've got exams coming up so need to revise. Not so easy if plot bunnies won't shut up. So please get back to me soon!!