Chapter 10

They were five minutes outside of the commune when Booth finally spoke. "So, we have pieces of bone from what may be one person that have been dissolved in acid and dumped in a sand pit. The only person missing from a strange commune of scientists near the dump site is a bang-up guy that everyone loves."

"We don't know that he was beaten up Booth, we don't even know if it was him."

"Huh? Oh, bang-up. No, it means he was a good guy."

"I'd like to talk to Cam and Hodgins and then talk to Dr. Sullivan again."

"What? Why?"

"He's a bad researcher Booth. He arranges for subjects known to have nightmares, that's understandable but he picks his supposed control group from a pool of people that don't live lives similar to those of his subject group. He chooses his control group from people on the street. That seems like it would be random but humans subconsciously choose people based on certain behaviors, friendliness, willingness to meet your eye, having similar ethnic characteristics. He should have hired multiple assistants to recruit people."

"You said that these people weren't considered the top in their field."

"Its more than that, Booth. I don't know."

"Bones! Do you have a hunch?"

"No, its not a hunch."

"Why would he kill Robert Newton? If he didn't want him to leave because it would interrupt his research, why would he kill him?"

"You're right. It isn't rational." Her brow was still furrowed. His explanation didn't satisfy her. Booth thought the guy felt a little cold, but he'd met a few scientists and they were always harder to read. His partner, however, was easy, she had a hunch. He figured it was nothing but he knew that showing faith in his partner was critical.

"You know, Bones, I'd still like to see the records regarding that research. I'll talk to Caroline in the morning and see about getting a warrant to look around that lab and see those records." Brennan's face relaxed and she sat back in her seat. A few minutes passed in comfortable silence, a welcome relief from the tension of the day.

"I think I would have liked Robert Newton." Brennan said quietly.

"Really? What makes you say that?"

"He was rational, kind, loving. He understood that love was biochemical but loved that woman anyway. I think he would have been a lot like my father."

Booth replayed what she had said, loved that woman anyway. Maybe what Judy Benjamin had said would open her mind to falling in love with someone. That would be good for her. No, no it wouldn't. She'd get hurt. You're the only one who understands how vulnerable she is...Booth! Stop!

"I think you're right." was all Booth could manage.

'It was not a bond of ownership or possession but a promise to always be partners and equals and to live our lives together' that is an interesting take on marriage. Its not what Booth wants though. Where'd that come from? Stop Temperance, don't do this! Brennan remembered her mom and dad when she was little. They were happy and in love. She thought of how they would give each other a little peck on the cheek when they were near. Her mind drifted to the video her mother made her. She thought of how much it must have hurt them to leave. The only way to avoid that kind of pain is not to love. She loved Zach, not romantically, but like a little brother. Booth had loved Rebecca, she knew how much it broke his heart to take Parker back to his mother and then not get to see him for days. She didn't want to hurt him too. Being partners was different, she could keep an eye on him. She couldn't love him, she just couldn't, if she did, she would lose everything. She'd gone through that once, it wasn't going to happen again.

Her eyes had become moist at the thought of her mother. Booth placed his hand on hers.

"Thinking of your mom?" He asked, his eyes caring and sympathetic.

"Yeah." She wondered how he'd guessed.

"We're in D.C."

"Already? I was just remembering."

"Let's go get something to eat."

"Can we run by my office, my cell phone charger in on my desk."

"Sure." Booth drove to her office without moving his hand. He opened her door for her and offered his hand as she climbed out of the SUV. She stumbled slightly and he caught her. She looked up at him. He quickly set her on her feet and released her. It was too dangerous to be that close. She still looked a little sad and Booth was having trouble breathing deeply. He just wanted to hug her and make her stop hurting. She looked so vulnerable standing there, so alone. Ah hell, he thought pulling her into a hug. He let his head come down and his chin touch her shoulder. He tried to speak but there was nothing to say.

She felt the muscles of his chest move as he held her close. She wasn't thinking about her mother anymore. She was waging a war inside, what Booth called brain and heart. Just when she'd resolved herself not to love him, he decides she needs a hug. She steeled herself against his warmth, his scent, the way his arms held her. This is NOT going to happen! she told herself. Finally, he released her and stood up. He didn't move his hands from her upper arms, he just held her at arms length. She met his gaze. Damn it! they thought in unison, not knowing the other's torment. The sadness in her eyes was gone, it had been replaced with longing and...fear. She thought he was going to cross the line again. Booth, you suck! he scolded himself, immediately letting her go and turning away. He didn't see her face fall. He didn't see her eyes flash with rejection, pain, anger like a slide show. He didn't see her set her jaw, and square her shoulders. He didn't see her eyes go dark.