Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Camberley, Surrey
United Kingdom
"Molly! No!" I cried out in horror as she staggered forward in a dead faint, my arms instinctively reaching out to catch her before she fell to the ground.
I was reminded of how tiny she was as I held her close to my chest. I relished the feeling of having her close, but knew that her welfare needed to be my priority.
"Molly!" I attempted to rouse her, only for her to remain limp and unresponsive in my arms. "Molly!" I tried again with no success, causing me to wonder if she had fainted from more than simply shock. With this in mind, I decided to carry Molly to the Medical Reception Centre located on the Academy's grounds.
-X-
Once at the Medical Reception Centre, the nurse on duty helped me settle Molly onto one of the empty beds. She instructed me to elevate Molly's feet, which I did before taking off her court shoes. I was surprised to see Molly in such high heels. She had always hated wearing them. I was even more astonished that they were Alexander McQueen. Since when did Molly wear Alexander McQueen? I had attempted to spoil her with designer clothes early on in our relationship, only for it to result in her accusing me of being 'toffee nosed' and informing me that I could take my 'dosh' and 'stuff it'. She hadn't even let me give her a proper engagement ring. Only after much convincing on my part, had she relented, and agreed to a simple platinum band.
"Captain James, why don't you take off her jacket while I fetch the doctor. It's important to make her as comfortable as possible," she explained, prompting me to unbutton Molly's tweed jacket.
"Come on, Molls, help me out here, sweetheart," I murmured as I pulled her arms out of the stiff jacket. I folded her jacket and frowned at yet another McQueen label. I wondered what had prompted such a drastic change in her.
"Charles!" I was interrupted from my thoughts to see my mum and sister rush into the room. "Emily and I have been looking everywhere for you. Fortunately, one of the Cadets told us that he'd witnessed you catching a young woman who had fainted."
"Mum, it's Molly!" Emily gasped.
"Charles, what happened?" my mum questioned, as she walked over to Molly, and gently placed her hand on Molly's arm.
"I am not entirely certain," I admitted. "I was stunned to see her as I was leaving the Officers' Mess. At first, I could not believe it was her, but soon released that it was. I attempted to approach her, only to have her faint on me."
"Poor thing," my mum shook her head, before undoing the pins from Molly's hair and removing her hat. "I could strangle Edward right now," she frowned.
"What does father have to do with this?" I questioned.
"Everything," she sighed, before the doctor entered the room.
-X-
"Captain James, I am Captain Reid. I understood this young woman fainted?"
"Yes," I confirmed.
"Let's have a look at her, shall we?" Captain Reid walked over to Molly's bed and began to examine her. "Has she been ill recently?" Captain Reid questioned.
"I don't…"
"Yes," my mother interjected, causing me to look at her with surprise. "Corporal Dawes is a nurse at the RCDM and took ill with a stomach virus earlier this week."
"When I spoke to her two days ago, she had been vomiting uncontrollably," Emily added.
I was shocked to learn that both my mother and sister were in regular contact with Molly. Not once had they so much as mentioned Molly's name since I had returned from Bangladesh. I was also irritated with myself for not knowing that Molly had been promoted to Corporal. It pleased me immensely to know that she was continuing her quick progression through the ranks. She had been a brilliant CMT, and I suspected she had become an even better nurse.
"Corporal Dawes is likely still dealing with the after effects of her stomach virus," Captain Reid announced. "This, combined with today's extreme temperatures, has led to her becoming dehydrated. In most cases dehydration causes the blood pressure to drop which can lead to fainting. I anticipate she will come to any moment now," he assured.
"That's very good news, Captain Reid," my mum gave a relieved smile. "How do you propose treating her dehydration?"
"Once she is awake, I will ask Staff Nurse Welch to start her on a drip. This will restore her fluid levels and help rehydrate her. Staff Nurse Welch can also provide her with some fruit juice to help elevate her blood sugar, which we will test, but I suspect is also low. In the meantime, the best thing for you to do is to keep her comfortable. I will have Staff Nurse Welch provide you with some cool flannels you can put on her forehead and the back of her neck. Corporal Dawes should be feeling much improved in the next hour or two."
"Thank you, Captain Reid," my mother nodded at the doctor. "Emily," she turned to my sister, "can you please go outside and look for Captain…"
"Where's Molly? Is she all right?" I was startled to see Jack Sinclair enter the room. It had been years since I had seen him.
"She's right here, Major Sinclair," my mother motioned for Sinclair to join her at Molly's bedside. I was downright baffled as to what Sinclair could possibly have to do with Molly. I swore I had heard he was gay. She couldn't possibly in a relationship with him, could she? It would explain why she was dressed in McQueen. The man I knew at Sandhurst could certainly afford it.
"What happened?" Jack questioned, looking down at Molly's pale form. "I left to find Molly water and returned to find her missing."
"Captain Reid, the doctor on duty this afternoon, has assured us that she will be fine," my mum replied in a reassuring tone. "He is of the opinion that her stomach virus, in conjunction with today's extreme heat, has caused her to dehydrate. As soon as she awakens, they will put a drip in her to help restore her fluids."
"Bones would absolutely kill me if anything happened to her," Jack grimaced.
"What the hell does McClyde have to do with this?" I demanded.
"James?" Sinclair looked at me in shock. It was clear he had failed to notice my presence until now. "What the fuck are you doing here?"
"Molly fainted in front of him and he carried her here," my mother attempted to explain, sensing that Sinclair was none too thrilled to see me.
"I see," Jack murmured tersely.
"You still haven't answered my question about McClyde," I prodded. The thought of my nemesis having anything remotely to do with Molly made my skin crawl.
"It would appear you are forgetting yourself, Captain James. I give the orders, not you," Sinclair admonished, rather than responding to my question.
"Major Sinclair," my mum attempted to placate the irate Officer, "I think it might be best for everyone involved if you were to go and find Captain McClyde," she suggested. "I'm sure Molly will want him here when she awakens."
"Why the hell would she want that bastard?" I demanded.
"I suggest, Captain James, that if you do not want to find yourself written up on a charge, you stop asking questions and make yourself scarce," Sinclair ordered. "In the meantime, I will go and find Captain McClyde. Mrs. James," he turned to my mother, "I trust you can look after Molly until I return with Captain McClyde?"
"Of course, Major Sinclair. Molly is like a daughter to me."
"Thank you," Sinclair nodded. "As for you," he turned to face me, "I suggest you remove yourself from the premises immediately as I cannot be responsible for what Captain McClyde might do if he finds you here. Consider that an order, James!"
-X-
"Emily, please find your father and brother and explain to them what has happened while I sit with Molly," my mum instructed once Sinclair had departed. "Charles, I suggest you join your sister."
"I'm not going anywhere," I said in a tone that brooked no argument. I proceeded to Molly's bed and grasped her small hand in mine. There was no way I was leaving her, even if it meant openly defying a direct order from a superior.
-X-
"Charles, I really do not think this is a good idea," my mum advised, after Emily left the room.
"I'm not leaving her," I stood my ground. I had abandoned Molly once, and had lived to regret it. I was not about to make the same mistake twice.
"Son, while I cannot imagine what must be going through your head right now, I think it would be best for Molly if you left. I know you can be as stubborn as a mule, like your father, but you are the last person Molly will want to see when she awakens. The poor thing is ill and has had a nasty shock. The last thing she needs right now is you."
"She certainly doesn't need Bones," I complained, still annoyed that no one had answered my questions about him. "There is no way in hell I am leaving her with that arsemonger."
"Suit yourself, Charles," it was clear my mum had reached the end of her patience with me. "Don't say I didn't warn you, though. If Bones returns and finds you here, you are going to wish that you had heeded my advice."
-X-
"Mmm," I groaned, feeling as if I were coming out of a deep fog.
"Molly," I could feel Charles holding my hand and the light touch of his fingers gently stroking mine. "Wake up, sweetheart," his voice beckoned me from my slumber.
"Charles?" my eyes fluttered open to find his warm chocolate eyes gazing into mine. "Where am I?" I asked in a muddled voice, my mind still in a haze of confusion.
"It's all right, darling," Jacqueline assured. She was standing next to Charles who was sitting on the edge of my bed. "You fainted," she explained.
"I fainted?" I could not remember fainting.
"Yes, dear. Charles brought you to the Medical Reception Centre…"
"What Centre?" I was struggling to find my bearings. I looked up at Charles and felt a sudden sense of apprehension.
"The Medical Reception Centre at Sandhurst," Jacqueline clarified, causing reality to suddenly come crashing down upon me and for my world to go black once again.
-X-
"She's coming to," I heard an unfamiliar voice announce as I opened my eyes to see Jacqueline, Charles, and a woman dressed in a nurse's uniform hovering over me.
"Corporal Dawes, I'm Staff Nurse Welch. How are you feeling?"
"Thirsty," I whispered, still slightly confused.
"You're dehydrated from your stomach virus and the heat," she explained. "Captain Reid, the doctor on duty, assures me that you will be fine once we get some fluids into you," Staff Nurse Welch gave me a reassuring smile. "I'm just going to put a drip in your arm so we can start you on some fluids. In the meantime, we'll sit you up a bit, and you can have a few sips of water."
"T-thanks," I stammered, doing everything in my power to avoid looking at Charles. I could not believe that he was here when I wanted nothing to do with him. There was only one person I wanted right now, and he was nowhere to be found.
"Jacqueline?"
"Yes, sweetheart?" Jacqueline leaned over and pushed a tendril of hair back from my face in a motherly way.
"Where's Bones?" I asked.
"He'll be here soon, Molly. Major Sinclair went to find him," she responded.
"He's going to be so annoyed with me," I sighed. As much as I wanted him here, I also knew he was going to be furious that I had ended up making a complete twit of myself by sparking out in front of my ex-fiancé.
"That's nonsense, and you know it. I'm sure he is out of his mind with worry. Now, why don't you try a few sips of water while we wait for him," Jacqueline suggested as I continued to ignore the fact that Charles was still in the room staring intently at me.
-X-
"Bloody hell, Molly!" Bones rushed to my bedside moments later, his attention completely focused on me. "You fucking scared me, Poppet," he whispered in a hoarse voice, as his hand stroked my cheek in a comforting gesture.
"I'm sorry," I apologized as my eyes filled with tears. "I didn't mean to cock everything up for you today.
"Don't even think about apologising," Bones ordered, wiping a tear from my cheek. "If anyone should be apologising it's me. I should have insisted you stay home."
"It's not your fault, Bones," I protested as my hand reached to grasp his. "I thought I would be fine," I assured. "I was all right until about halfway through the Sovereign's Parade. Jack was extremely solicitous and went to get me some water after. I had no idea I was going to faint."
"I should have been with you," Bones shook his head in disgust. "You needed me."
"I'm fine, just a little dehydrated. I'm sure once we get some fluids into me, I'll be feeling right as rain again," I tried to reassure him.
"Is that what the doctor said?"
"Yes, or at least that is what he told Jacqueline."
"Jack, could you please find the doctor? I would like to hear what he has to say for myself."
"There's really no need, Bones," I protested.
"I thought I told you to let me be the judge of your welfare," he reminded, as he reached up and tenderly stroked my cheek again.
"All right," I conceded with a weak smile.
"Thank you," he kissed my forehead.
"I think we should give you two some privacy," Jaqueline announced, as she took Charles's arm and started to steer him out of the room. "I'll be waiting outside in case you need anything."
"Thank you, Mrs James," Bones said graciously, choosing to ignore Charles's presence for now.
-X-
"What the hell happened, Poppet?" Bones asked, from where he was sitting beside my bed.
"I was feeling a bit ill at the end of the Sovereign's Parade. Jack escorted me to the ladies' room and went to find water. He was also going to find you to tell you that I was not feeling well. I was waiting outside of the Officers' Mess when out of nowhere Charles appeared. I had no idea that he was even here. The last thing I remember before I fainted was him approaching me. When I came to, Jacqueline and Charles were here with me."
"I would like to know what the fuck he is doing here after his sister assured you that he would not be. Is it possible she lied to you?"
"Emily? No, she would never lie to me," I protested.
"Are you sure about that?" Bones questioned. "She seemed awfully uncomfortable when we ran into her earlier with Sam."
"Of course, I am. She was probably horrified that her brother was here when he wasn't supposed to be. I don't understand why he approached me or why he was here when I woke up," I added. "It was like waking up to my worst fears only to realise that they were not nearly as bad as I had imagined. I honestly felt numb. It was like he was a stranger to me."
"As he should be, Poppet. He had no right to approach you like that. By the time I am finished with him, he will wish I had made mincemeat out of him," Bones promised angrily, as he stood up and started pacing in front of the window.
"Please don't."
"How can you ask me that after what he did to you?" Bones balked.
"I can ask because he no longer matters to me. You're the one who matters, and I am not about to let you cock-up your promotion over him. He's simply not worth it," I asserted.
"We'll try it your way, for now," Bones frowned, clearly uncomfortable with taking a more measured approach. "However, the moment James steps out of line, all bets are off," he warned.
-X-
"I hope we are not interrupting," Jacqueline and Jack entered my room after knocking.
"Of course not," I gave her an inviting smile.
"The luncheon is about to start," Jack informed Bones.
"Bones, you should go," I urged him. "I want you to give your speech."
"Sod that for a game of soldiers, Poppet. There is no way I am giving a bloody speech to a bunch of ankle-biting Cadets when you're here."
"I will be fine," I assured. "I'm already feeling much better. I would feel gutted if you were to miss your speech because of me."
"I have an idea," Jacqueline offered. "How about I stay with Molly while you and Major Sinclair attend the luncheon?"
"What about Andrew?" I protested. "You cannot miss his luncheon."
"Andrew will be fine, Molly. I spoke to him a few minutes ago and he agreed that it would be best for me to remain here with you. Edward also agrees. Once Captain McClyde finishes his speech he can return to you. By then, you'll likely feel well enough to go home."
"Mrs James, this is extremely generous of you, but I must insist that you attend your son's luncheon," Bones objected.
"Nonsense. Andrew gave me his full blessing. Besides, I would much prefer Molly's company over another Army luncheon."
"I think we should accept Jacqueline's offer, Bones," I decided. It was the perfect solution.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," I nodded. "Now, I would appreciate it if you and Jack got out of my hair and sodded off to your luncheon."
"You must be feeling better if you're ordering me about again, Dawesey," Bones gave me his trademark arrogant smirk.
"Piss off," I rolled my eyes.
"Well, Jack, I suppose we have been given our official marching orders," Bones chuckled at my impertinence.
"Oi! You're forgetting something," I announced.
"What?" he raised an eyebrow at me.
"Your good luck kiss," I giggled.
"How could I be so remiss as to miss from you?" Bones sauntered over, and leaned in for me to snog him.
-X-
"How are you feeling, Corporal Dawes?" Captain Reid came to check on me an hour later.
"Much better, Sir."
"Your blood pressure is back to normal and your colour is much improved from when you first arrived. Staff Nurse Welch tells me that you've managed to keep down water, apple juice, and digestive biscuits."
"Yes, the nausea I was feeling earlier seems to have abated, Sir."
"Excellent. Your drip is nearly finished. I think we can go ahead and discharge you once it is complete. I would suggest you stay out of the heat for the remainder of the day, and that you stay hydrated and continue to rest as needed for the next few days," Captain Reid advised.
"Thank you, Captain Reid. I will make sure I follow your instructions," I promised.
-X-
"Do you know what time Bones is supposed to speak?" I asked Jacqueline once Staff Nurse Welch removed my drip.
"He's scheduled to speak in about fifteen minutes."
"Do you think we could make it? I really don't want to miss his speech."
"Are you sure that is a good idea? I realise you are feeling better, but I doubt Bones wants you to overdo things," Jacqueline chided.
"I know, but between the two of us, he absolutely loathes public speaking and I know he is dreading his speech. I was hoping that my being there might help him relax."
"Leave it to me," Jacqueline promised. "Edward might be retired, but I still know how throw my weight around," she gave me a confident smile.
-X-
Jacqueline certainly knew how to play the role of a Lieutenant General's wife to the hilt. She immediately took charge, coordinated my discharge, helped me repair my hair and make-up, and arranged for a junior Cadet to drive us in a golf buggy from the Medical Reception Centre to the Officers' Mess where the luncheon was being held. She then had one of the junior Cadets discreetly summon Jack, who was waiting for us at the entrance.
"Are you sure about this Molly?" Jack asked as he helped me out of the golf buggy.
"Yes," I nodded with a smile.
"You know Bones will have my guts for garters if you feel the slightest bit ill," Jack warned.
"I'm fine, Jack. The fluids did a world of good," I promised.
"Shall we?" he offered me his arm.
"Jacqueline, are you joining us?"
"I'm going to freshen up, and then I will join Edward and Andrew inside."
"Thank you so much for everything, Jacqueline," I embraced her with gratitude.
"You're welcome, sweetheart."
"Please give my best wishes to Andrew," I instructed before kissing her on the cheek and taking Jack's arm.
-X-
"Molly, what are you doing here?" Bones whispered in a concerned voice as he stood up and pulled out my chair for me. He had looked astonished to see me arrive on Jack's arm.
"Captain Reid discharged me. I'm to hydrate, rest, and avoid the heat. He did not, however, forbid me from attending your speech," I smirked.
"And how pray tell did you get here if you are supposed to avoid the heat?" Bones questioned.
"Jacqueline procured a golf buggy for us. I was outside for no more than a few minutes."
"I suppose I shall have to indulge you," Bones sighed, before smiling at me. He seemed pleased that I was feeling better and had joined him for his speech.
-X-
"Appalling, isn't?" Andrew whispered into my ear as I glowered at the spectacle Molly was making of herself with Bones.
"How long has this bloody farce been going on?" I could not believe Molly had fallen for a heap of shit like Bones.
"Two, according to Mum," Andrew revealed.
"And you didn't think to tell me?" I seethed at the thought that my family knew and hadn't bothered to inform me.
"What good would it have done? It's not like you were going to get off your arse and do anything about it," Andrew derided.
"You make me sound like a wet piece of lettuce," I objected.
"Why else do you think Edward snookered you into coming today? It certainly wasn't for my benefit. I suspect that, Father, being Father, decided he'd had enough of you being a knobhead and felt it was time you face up to what you've done to Molly. You cannot hide from it forever. I told you that last November. Perhaps, if you had taken your head out of your arse, and come crawling back to her on your knees, after you had returned from Scotland, you wouldn't be in this position. Instead, you've allowed her to fall into the arms of your enemy, who we both damn well know is using her."
"At least I'm not the only one who thinks that."
"You said it yourself last year. It was only a matter of time before he sought revenge against you. The question is, what are you going to do about it?" Andrew challenged, knowing full well I hadn't a clue as to my next move. It was becoming increasingly obvious to me that I had left things far too late.
-X-
I couldn't help but turn and give Bones a proud smile as Lieutenant General White began his introduction of Captain Sykes.
"We are pleased to welcome Captain Sykes from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment. During his tenure with the Tigers, Captain Sykes has served three tours in Iraq, as well as two tours in Afghanistan. Captain Sykes is currently stationed in Paderborn, Germany. While a Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Captain Sykes was awarded the Queen's Medal. Since then, Captain Sykes has been awarded The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in 2011 and was also the recipient of the Military Cross in 2006. Please join me in welcoming Captain Sykes," White announced as Bones stood up from his chair and walked to the podium where he saluted White.
"Good afternoon," Bones began. "The past forty-four weeks have been an exercise in leadership for each of the Cadets in this room. Tonight, when the clock strikes midnight, many of you will become fully commissioned Officers. I was asked to speak to you today about leadership. Rather than emphasise what you have already learned during your time at Sandhurst, I thought it best to focus on something you may not have learned. It has been my experience that there is often one fundamental question any new Officer will answer incorrectly. On the surface, it may seem like a simple question, but in reality, it is anything but simple. Yet, learning the correct answer to this question will serve as a foundation for the relationships you will build within your respective regiments and the leader you will ultimately become. With this in mind, I will now pose this very important question to you… Which is better, apples or oranges?"
-X-
"That was brilliant!" I gave Bones a wide smile as he returned to our table after his speech. "The audience loved it."
"I seem to recall a certain short-arsed Cockney advising me to talk about what I know," he smirked at me.
"Apples and Oranges is a Bones classic," Jack informed me. "It's a rite of passage for any member of G Squadron. Nice job, mate," he patted Bones on the back.
"Thanks. It's unfortunate that a certain bad apple had to disgrace it with his presence," Bones muttered in annoyance. "He's lucky I don't walk over to his table and stick one on him."
"I thought you were going to let sleeping dogs lie," I reminded him.
"You sound like my mum," Bones rolled his eyes.
"You're the one always reciting her proverbs to me," I smirked.
"Well played, Poppet," he shook his head at me, knowing I had him on that point.
-X-
Finally, after what seemed like donkey's years, the luncheon had ended and it was time for us to depart. Not wanting to expose myself to any further discomfiture, I decided to do a bunk and escape to the ladies' room while Bones made his farewells to Lieutenant General White and various members of the top brass who had been in attendance.
After relieving myself and freshening up, I was ready to find Bones and leave. I was less than thrilled to exit the ladies' room to find Charles waiting for me.
I attempted to walk past him without so much as acknowledging him, only to feel him reach for my arm and stop me.
"Let me go," I demanded in a terse voice. I could not even bring myself to look up at his face and kept my eyes level with his chest.
"Molly, please," he implored. "We need to talk."
"A bit late for that, innit?" I observed with sarcasm.
"Look, I…" he ran a frustrated hand through his curls.
"I have nothing to say to you, Captain James," I stated coldly. "Now, I would appreciate it if you would please remove your hand from my arm."
"Please, Molly," he kept his hand on my arm.
"Let me go," I repeated in an attempt to pull away from
"Let her go now, James!" Bones ordered, stalking over to us. "Unless, you would prefer having me beat seven shades of shit out of you," he threatened Charles in a menacing voice.
"Get stuffed, McClyde," Charles rebuked. "This has nothing to do with you."
"Nothing to do with me?" Bones derided. "I think you'll find it has everything to do with me. Now, for the last bloody time, take your manky hands off of Molly or I will…"
"You'll what?" Charles challenged. "Lose your rag and give me a good rollicking?"
"I see you've developed a bit of a brass neck there, James. Do I sense Lane's influence?" Bones goaded.
"Leave Lane out of this you fucking tosser. If you think you're going to get on my wick, you have another thing coming," Charles snarled at Bones, finally releasing my arm so that he could get in Bones's face.
"While I would like nothing more than to stick one on you, James, there are other, more satisfying means available for me to deal with your maggot ridden arse. It wouldn't take more than a few Chinese whispers on my part to remind certain individuals that only recently, in your not so distant past, you had gone to the dogs. Perhaps I need to remind you of the little chinwag we had last November. I seem to recall giving you a friendly warning as to what might happen if you failed to heed my advice."
"You can threaten me all you like, Bones. It's not going to change the fact that I love Molly," Charles proclaimed.
"Y-you w-what?" I stammered in absolute bewilderment. I literally felt as if Charles had knocked me for six. The sheer audacity of him to make such a declaration, after everything he had done to me, was inconceivable.
"That's a complete load of bollocks, and you know it, James," Bones lambasted. "If you 'loved' Molly, and actually gave a shit about her, you wouldn't have tossed her aside like a piece of rubbish for that twit Lane."
"You don't know the first thing about my relationship with Molly or Lane," Charles argued.
"The hell I don't!" Bones yelled. "I know all about you fucking Lane, or did you conveniently erase that fact from your memory while you were hiding away in Scotland? As for your relationship with Molly, you no longer have a relationship with her. You rescinded any rights to her when you jilted her, you fucking scumbag."
"He's right," I found myself agreeing aloud with a furious Bones.
"What did you just say?" Charles looked at me in shock.
"There is no relationship between us, Charles. You chose her over me when you abandoned me at the Registry Office. You can say you love me all you want, but we both know it's a load of cobblers. A person in love would never do what you did to me," I reproached. "I hope it was worth it, and that she gives you the things I didn't, because I will never forgive you for what you did to me."
"Molly, please, it…"
"Stop," I cut him off. "There is nothing you could possibly say that I would want to hear. Please do us all a favour and shove off. I've had more than enough of you to last me a lifetime" I decreed.
"Molly, you don't…"
"Enough, you fucking bastard," Bones interrupted, grabbing Charles by the upper arm "I believe Molly asked you to leave. Therefore, I would suggest you do as my girlfriend requested or else I might find myself tempted to beat you into a bloody pulp," he threatened, before turning away from Charles, offering his hand to me, and leading me away from the man who was no longer the love of my life.
X
Author's Note:
I had originally planned to include much more in this Chapter, but realised it would end up being 15-20k long. Therefore, I decided to use this as a natural stopping point and to include the remainder of what I had planned in Chapter 11. Chapter 11 will reveal a lot more about who Bones is as well as why Charles did what he did.
Thanks agin for all of the feedback!