A/N Okay so this is the penultimate chaper and it is rather long. Thankyou to those continuing to read and review it sure means a lot. This chaper contains some strong language and sexual referances.

Chapter 10

"We have to go back...we have to go back now," Angela demanded whilst still visibly shaking. Blood pounded in her head and her heart beat rapidly in her chest as she began reeling from the shock and guilt that she had left two of her closest friends behind.

"Call 911," Hodgins yelled as he threw his cell at Angela. She grabbed it, clutching it as if for dear life in her warm, sweaty hands.

"Please Jack we have to go back," she yelped instead of dialling the number. "We can't leave them there, they need our help."

"And we'll get help," Hodgins replied in a comforting tone. He felt the same anger and regret as she did at just leaving them there, especially knowing the condition they were both in. It was tearing him up inside just imagining what could be happening to them right now, and it felt like a knife to the heart knowing that he was no better then a coward. No! I won't think like that, he silently told himself. Booth gave us the chance to escape and now that we have we can alert the proper authorities. "Look Angie," he finally said. "You know as well as I do we are no match for that psychopath back there. You saw what he did to Booth, and obviously what he's capable of because of what he did to you and Dr Brennan."

Angela fought hard not to decorate the interior of the suv, but she felt sick to the stomach at knowingly letting both Booth and Brennan down.

Hodgins turned to her as she continued her hesitation. "Angela please just call the police."

She exasperated a huge sign before dialling the number.

xxxxxx

Booth slowly aroused from his not so peaceful slumber. Crazy thoughts had plagued his mind and none of them were particularly pleasant. His half opened eye took in the strange surroundings. An empty, wide open space, slightly chilled. A dim light flickered overhead and when he fully opened his eyes he realized he was now in the parking garage, on level one to be exact. He strained his neck to pull himself from his slouched position to a more upright one. A soft whimper escaped his lips as his neck clicked into place. He then attempted to open his mouth to protest some more and it was then he found his mouth had been covered with duct tape. Damn it, he cursed to himself.

From the little else he could he was completely alone and that was when the memories of previous events came flooding back. Arriving with Hodgins, finding Angela and Brennan then unexpectedly getting knifed in the thigh. How the hell did I allow that to happen? He instinctively moved his arm to inspect his wound but found he was well restricted. Rope had been entwined quite efficiently around his torso leaving very little room for manouver. However he did find there was a neatly wrapped banadage where he had been stabbed.

Panic began to rise within himself, and not because he was in this less then ideal situation it was the sheer knowledge that Bones, his partner, the love of his life, his soulmate was in the company of that poor excuse for a human being. He had been aware of the seriouness of her condition the minute she collapsed to the floor. I swear if he does anything to cause her anymore suffering I am going to make him wish he was never born.

xxxxxxx

Brennan awoke from her unconsciousness only to find Tom looming over her. A bottle of anesthetic in his left hand, a thick bandage in the other.

"What are you doing?" she immediatley asked, her mind still a little foggy at what had happened.

Tom smiled. "Your wounds were infected, so much so that it caused you to pass out. I have cleaned them and applied an anesthetic to minimize the risk of blood poisoning. I guess it was also lucky you were out at the time as it would have hurt bad... Anyway," he continued. "I'll apply banadages to keep them clean, so hopefully they can heal and who knows you may even begin to feel better."

"I'll only feel better when Booth kicks your ass or I beat him to it," she spat viciously.

Well the latter would be more favorable, as at this present time Booth is out of the picture," he gloated, obviously satisfied that he had them right where he wanted.

What? Was that true? What did he do? Is he injured..dead? No Temperance don't think like that Booth is fine..he has to be fine. "Where is he," she finally asked.

"You'll be reunited with him soon enough..and before you ask no he's not dead but he'll probably wish he was after i'm through with him," he grinned evilly.

"I won't let you hurt Booth," she warned.

Grabbing her arm he began to apply the bandage. "Unfortunately my dear you are no position to stop me, but don't worry you'll have a ringside seat." Once he was happy with his handiwork he sauntered off to the other side of the room and wrapped his equipment belt around his waist housing a flashlight, baton and handcuffs. He also felt it necessary to bring his weapon fitting it snugly down the back of his pants.

"Okay Tempe lets go. You have a date with Agent Booth." He helped her stand then stood in front of her to fasten a pair of handcuffs. Once he had her restrained he leaned in towards her until he was practically breathing down her neck. "Now just remember I have your precious agent Booth's life in my hands. I will make things less..well let me say painful if you both just cooperate and do what I say."

xxxxxx

Angela couldn't believe what was happening she never in her whole life would have thought when dialling 911 she would be put on hold. "Unbelievable," she protested as she continued to hold.

"What's wrong Angela?" Hodgins inquired displaying a concerned look.

"The operator told me to hold, can you believe it?" she replied in a panic stricken tone.

Pulling in safely to the side of the road Hodgins snatched the phone from his fiancee. "You're kidding right? I mean did you tell them it was an emergency?"

Does he think i'm that stupid. "Well of course I did," she countered, although slightly angry that he would be even question her integrity.

Before he had a chance to argue with her the operators voice came on the line. "Hello ma'am are you sill there?" the female voice asked.

"Did you just put my fiancee on hold when she called to report an emergency? What kind of service are you running here? There are lives at stake and you're taking a coffee break." He was aware this probably wasn't been the case but he was livid that the emergency services could do this.

"I'm do apologize sir but is it is the holidays and we have been inundated with calls, some real and unfortunatley there have been hundreds of hoax callers, so we have been pretty much snowed under," she explained.

He rarely got angry but on this occasion he couldn't contain his annoyance. "Yeah well maybe you could tell that to my two friends who lives are in danger as we speak." He was still experiencing mixed emotions which were present in his raised tone of voice.

"I'm very sorry," came the apology once again. "How can I help?"

Hodgins relayed all the details over to the operator who was heard entering all the information into the computer. "It's going to be a good half hour before I can anyone over there. Like I said it's a little thin on the ground this evening."

"Did you not hear what I said? There are two people being held captive by some psychopath. One of them has been stabbed and the other suffering from two wounds which are badly infected." How can they not take this seriously?

Again my hands are tied," the operator regrettably answered. "I'll dispatch it through and they'll get someone out there as soon as they can."

The entomologist slammed down the phone in frustration.

Angela had sat there listening to the entire conversation and with the way her fiance had almost smashed his cell it obviousy wasn't good. "Well?"

"Looks like if you want anything doing you've got to do it yourself. Hang on to your hat we're going back."

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"Where are you taking me?" Brennan asked as he forced her into the passenger seat of a black sedan which had been parked on the same level she had been.

"You will find out soon enough," he sniggered as he clambered into the drivers side. "Almost time for the truth baby..time for the truth." He placed his hand firmly on her thigh and squeezed hard. "I can hardly wait."

Brennan felt impulsed, but it wasn't just from where his hand had wandered, it was the glint of malice in his eyes. What is he talking about? Time for the truth? "Truth about what Tom?" she quizzed forgetting that he hadn't yet removed his hand.

"You'll find out soon enough."

xxxxxxx

Booth wasn't sure how long he had been there. He had no concept of time. He hadn't even been wearing his watch although now none of that mattered, all he cared about was seeing his Bones again. Why have I'been such a fool. Why didn't I have the guts to tell her how I feel face to face. Please god, please look after Bones, keep her safe for me and I will say a hundred hail Mary's everyday..whatever it takes for me to see her again. As if his prayers had been answered he was blinded by a pair of headlights coming towards him. He closed his eyes until the light had faded and then he slowly opened them to be met with the most wonderful sight Bones was sitting in the front seat of the vehicle that had parked a few meters away from him. Unfortunatley his excitement quickly dissipated when he saw whose company she was in.

Brennan was absolutley mortified at the scene in front of her. Oh my god Booth. No! No! "What are we doing here Tom? What have you done to Booth?"

"Don't panic sweetheart, Agent Booth has been well taken care of, but you can't blame me for wanting to keep him restrained. He would have only gotten in the way."

"In the way of what?"

"This?" Without hesitation he pushed his mouth onto her lips forcing his tongue into her mouth almost causing Brennan to choke.

Get your filthy mouth of her, came the unrecognizable mumble from behind Booth's gag. Fury blazed in his eyes as he strained against the rope but to no avail.

Tom knew that kind of action would get the agent raving. Why else would he do it. He had as much almost promised her he was never interested her in any other way then a friend, and that was still true. This was just a necesssary evil.

"You bastard," she yelled in disdain. If only she could have moved her hands she would have done him some serious damage.

Ignoring her obvious resentment he exited the vehicle. "Did you enjoy that Booth? I sure did," and he emphasized the point by licking his lips.

More grunts came from Booth's direction but nothing he could understand. "What was that? I can't hear you," he exclaimed sarcastically.

If looks could kill Tom would have been dead already, but unfortunately he could do nothing to state his objection, that was until Tom approached him and tore of the piece of duct tape giving him the opportunity vent his anger.

"You fucking sonovabitch! I am going to kill you."

"Harsh words Agent Booth and to think that not so long ago I took good care of that nasty knife wound you sustained. You really should be more grateful."

"You little prick untie me."

The security guard had had quite enough of Booth's unpleasantries that he soon whipped out his baton and struck him over the head.

Brennan jumped and Booth winced as the heavy objecy connected with his skull. A trickle of blood instantly streamed down his face. "That all you got? he taunted not willing to give him the satisfaction.

"You haven't been too nice Agent Booth and that is extremely unwise. Don't forget I have Temperance over there and I can do anything I want to her, after all she is pretty sexy and she has been very lonely recently." Again he was anticipating a reaction.

"Don't you touch her," he said with a flicker of fury. It was strange. His skill of reading people seemed to be inhibited with this individual. He had no idea what he was thinking, planning or whether he was lying or not. The only hope that he had is that if he was a sexual predator aswell as a raging maniac he would have already done the things he claimed he could do.

"That's right because you love her don't you?" Tom teased smugly.

"No," Booth replied bluntly. He was not going to allow Tom to use that as leverage against him..or her.

A callous laugh was heard as Tom again swung the baton this time landing itself on the opposite side of his head just near his left temple. "LIAR! I heard you, Temperance heard you, although she has also convinced herself it meant nothing.

"Tom stop it!" she screamed at the top of her lungs. I can't stand him doing this to Booth.

Booth was confused. What is he talking about?

"Ah I can see the puzzled look you have, so let me enlighten you. Standing in her office, nervously plucking up the courage to relay a speech about how you feel about her. How at first you thought she was a pain in the ass, that you thought of her as a spoilt rich kid. Then as you spend more time with her and get to know her you become more and more fond of her. Maybe in the beginning it was admiration, the pure dedication she had for her job, but then it became something more didn't it Agent Booth?"

"NO!"

"Okay so does this sound familiar to you, and I quote. "You have no idea how hard it is to look at you everyday, smell your perfume. Even when we have our little banters I still want to kiss you...Shall I go on?"

Booth looked away. He could feel his cheeks heating up with embarassment. He couldn't bear to look at Brennan who in turn was staring at him wildely.

"You don't have to be worried there. Temperance saw and heard everything, yet still she is in denial, so why don't you set her straight and tell her now how you really feel."

"No way," he refused once again. Blood had now drenching the top half of his shirt as it continued to stream down his face. His head felt like it was about to explode, but still he stood his ground. He had no intention of giving Tom what he wanted.

Looks like Booth is just as stubborn as Dr Brennan, Tom thought so now he had to do something to get him to change his mind. He quickly made his way over to the car and opening up the passenger door eased Brennan out and stood her directly in front of him.

She struggled, but again he was too strong and she still felt rather weak. "Let me ask you Temperance do you have any feelings for Agent Booth?"

Shaking her head she answered coldly "NO."

"And why is that?" he inquired. Is it because you're afraid that Booth will hurt you? Is that why you date those neanderthals, because you know you don't have to form an emotional attachment to them. If they leave you it doesn't really matter. They're just another name in your diary or simply another notch on your bedpost. Agent Booth on the other hand, he is capable of hurting you and that is what scares you the most."

She never did like psychology, but yes he was half right not that she would care to admit it. "It's none of your business. You don't know anything about me," she shouted defensively.

"I've done my googling Dr Brennan and i've heard and seen enough to know the truth, but hey if that is what you want to keep telling yourself and you do indeed have no feelings for Agent Booth you won't mind going this then will you," he stated as he placed the blood splattered baton in her hand.

"I won't do it!" she spat as she realized his intentions. Booth is my partner and my friend, i'd never hurt him."

"Pity," he smirked as he took the baton and delivered the next blow on her behalf.

Brennan almost crumpled to the ground. The crack of the baton making contact with his skull made her skin crawl. All she wanted to do was to rush to his side but the minute she made an attempt to move Tom stopped her. "Tut tut tut how pathetic." He waved a finger disapprovingly in front of her face.

This time the hit came Booth almost saw stars. He could hardly see now with the river of blood pooling around his eyes. This was a thousand times worse then when he had been captured and beaten by Gallagher and his goons last year. Just like that time I have to stay strong and positive.

Obviously his plan wasn't working an he had to change his tactics somewhat. Maybe this will change Booth's mind. His next move involved something that was bound to get the agent spilling his guts. Clutching Brennan tightly he proceeded to unbutton her shirt.

"No, please Tom. You promised you wouldn't do this," she sobbed as tears welled up in the corner of her eyes.

"I'm sorry Temperance but if your boyfriend over there truly loved you he would not let me do this." And to prove himself right he glanced over to where the agent was sitting. He had lowered his head as not to look. He would at least spare her at least some dignity.

Booth you can stop this. Just tell her you love her and it will be over. Instead though he swallowed hard, and clenched his fists. He had always imagined the time he would tell her, but it wouldn't be like this. They would be alone, perhaps having a candlelight dinner. Not here and certainly not in front of this asshole.

Unhooking the last button he pulled open the shirt exposing just the white lacy bra she as wearing. "Now do you care you change your mind about how you feel about her?" He could see the agent still wasn't looking. "Look at her Booth, isn't she beautiful." He trailed a bony finger over the swell of her breasts causing her to shiver.

"Stop it now." Booth forced himself to glance up and what he saw enraged him.

"Just say those three words."

"I can't." He had never felt so ashamed of himself right now. Where are the cops when you need them? Hodgins and Angela sure are taking their time.

"Looks like that wasn't enough for you. Maybe I should start on the pants. What d'ya think?"

"Leave her alone." Yet the security didn't seem to heed his warning.

Brennan wasn't about to let herself be humilated any longer. She waited for the moment and as soon as he was close enough she slammed her foot down on his. It worked a treat as he fell backwards. Once unbalanced she swung her hand and clobbered him over the head.

"You bitch!" he yelled as he fell harshly to the ground.

Once Tom was incapacitated she was able to grab his gun and then she ran over to Booth who was fighting to stay conscious. "Booth?"

"Booth couldn't bear to look her in the eye. He had failed her miserably. "Bones I..."

"Ssh it's alright," she said calmly not expecting an explanation. Instead she leant against his chest just glad to be able to feel him again.

Tom composed himself and was quick to get to his feet. Now she has really pissed me off. He unsteadily limped towards the two lovebirds. Hopefully they're too wrapped up in each other to notice me.

He was noticed though, at least by Booth. "Watch out Bones," he warned as he had seen the silhouette in his peripheral vison coming up behind her. Brennan spun around aiming the gun directly at him, her hands shaking violently.

Their assailant threw up his hands as if to surrender. "Now come on Dr Brennan there is no need for that. Why don't you give me the gun and we can talk about this."

Obviously he took her for some kind of idiot. "No way. I want you untie Booth now," she ordered, as she tried to keep her focus on him. When he didn't move she squeezed her finger harder on the trigger.

"You about to add a third kill to your record Dr Brennan. Yes I know all about that. Killing those two defenceless men, who ever would have thought it," he concluded.

"Don't listen to him Bones," Booth announced from his chair.

Tom moved closer, whilst Brennan continued to shake. He could see the fear in her eyes. He had to take a chance so he did. In one swift movement he reached out knocking the gun from her hands and then backhanded her across the face sending her crashing to the ground.

He picked up the gun then grabbed a fistful of her hair dragging her across the asphalt where he swung her forward into the side of the car. Her forehead made impact with the door and she immedialtely fell to the ground.

"Bones," Booth groaned painfully as the security guard approached him. "Say goodnight Agent Booth," and with one swoop he brought the baton down on the back of his head knocking him out instantly.

xxxxxx

This wasn't what he wanted, far from it. His plan hadn't worked so far so he had been left with no alternative.

Booth and Brennan woke almost simutaneously, although the agent was a fraction quicker. He found himself no longer tied to that uncomfortable leather offce chair but now seated on the soft fabric of what he now found to be the backseat of the same vehicle Brennan and Tom had arrived in earlier. "Bones," he called out as he heard her let out a few mumbled grunts as she slowly awoke immediately touching her head. A huge bruise had formed where she had hit her head.

"Booth," she replied back wincing as she found the sore spot. "Where are we?"

He reached out with one hand just so he could touch her, but he found his other hand to be cuffed to the inside of the door. "Damn it!" Brennan showed him that the same had been done to her on the opposite side.

"Did Angela and Hodgins get away?" she then asked realizing this was the first chance she had had to think about them.

"Yeah they're fine, although I wish they would hurry with the cavalry though," he joked before managing a faint smile.

Tom sat on the same metal chair where Booth had been earlier. He had a complexed look on his face. This is going to be the ultimate test. If they don't admit their feelings for one another now then maybe I was wrong about them from the beginnng.

Now what is he up to? Booth questioned himself as he layed eyes on Tom who was sat just a few meters from the car. His arms and legs were crossed in a relaxed position. There was mystery about this guy which he couldn't quite figure out.

"What's he going to do Booth?" Brennan asked, but the sorrowful gaze she was met with told her he didn't have a clue either.

They didn't have to wait too long though before Tom slowly stalked across getting a good view through the drivers side window. "Hope you two are cozy enough in there, seeing as you'll be spending some time together," he snickered before he disappeared out of view.

"What's he talking about Booth? What's he doing?" Brennan quizzed nervously.

Their questions were soon answered when Tom appeared again. Opening the car door he started up the engine then he firmly closed the door and bent down to pick something up. It was a hose which he subsequently slotted through the small gap of the window.

"Holy Mary mother of God. Is he doing what I think he's doing?"

"He's going to kill us," Brennan blurted out as it all became clear what he was about to do.

"In high concentrations carbon monoxide can fill this car in a few minutes," Tom scoffed. "You see oxygen in the blood is replaced with carbon monoxide and due to lack of oxygen to vital organs, and even more importantly the brain it starts to shut down. Soon you'll start to feel light headed, nauseous, tired and confused, and i'm afraid if you continue to be exposed then you'll slip into a coma and possibly die," he explained further. "Don't worry though it'll be painless come the end."

They didn't really need a play by play of what was going to happen, they just needed to fix this. "Please Tom. Please don't do this." Brennan found herself pleading with him and it really didn't suit her. She was supposed to be strong and undefeated.

"I'm sorry Dr Brennan I really am... By the way Merry Christmas." He proceeded to plug the rest of the gap with his jacket. "This is my present to you. The chance to spend the last moments of your lives together."

As she watched Tom disappear from view she slowly came around to the reality that she was going to die. There was only one comforting thought and that was Booth was right there with her and there was no place she'd rather be.

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