My daughter Bones. They could go after my daughter. Temperance sat at her desk , her mind working furiously to make sense of the words he'd spoken earlier. He had calmly explained the situation to them , all the while keeping his eyes fixated solely on her. She hadn't been able to do anything but offer some kind of generic response. She couldn't even remember what it was that she had said.
He and Jared had gone on to tell them more about the bodies they were to expect , and the information that they were the most anxious to receive , but she'd been too stunned to really listen. She could tell Booth was still looking at her , worried about her reaction , so she'd quickly shook herself off and put her mind back the subject matter at hand.
Only now , in the privacy of her office , with no one else around , she could admit to herself that the news had affected her more than she'd initially thought. Booth had a daughter. She had to repeat it to herself several times again before it actually sank in. He had another child. A little girl who would no doubt turn out to have her father's charm , and easy manner , just as Parker did. Why was she so disappointed ? Why did she feel so sad ?
Surely Booth had no responsibility in this... He'd been totally blindsided himself. He had never even known about her , and she was certain that if he had , he would not have stood idly by and let her grow up far away from him. No , Booth wasn't to be blamed... She rubbed her eyes , and berated herself. Why was she even bothered about this ? She and Booth didn't share their lives , the news would not affect hers in the least... She leaned back on her chair and tilted her head back , peering intently at the ceiling.
'' Temperance ? '' She startled , her heart beating wildly , and turned to stare at the intruder with a reproachful look.
'' I'm sorry. '' Cam said , contrite. '' I didn't mean to scare you. May I come in ? '' Temperance nodded and waved her over.
Cam sat down in one of the armchairs , facing her. She knew she might be pushing things by coming to talk to her friend about this , but she couldn't stand the hurt look that had haunted the woman's face since Booth's revelation. She braced herself for the conversation ahead.
'' I just wanted to come and see if you were all right. '' She gave Temperance a tight smile.
'' What do you mean ? Of course I'm fine , why wouldn't I be ? '' Temperance once again resorted to fiddling with the papers on her desk in order to appear unaffected and detached.
'' Temperance... May I be candid ? '' Cam asked hesitantly.
'' Yes , of course. ''
'' Look , I know this must come as a shock to you , especially in light of your previous plans. '' Cam tried to tread as lightly as she could.
'' I don't understand... What previous plans ? ''
'' Temperance. '' Cam said patiently. '' Three months ago , you and Booth were planning on having a baby together. If Booth hadn't been sick , you would most probably be pregnant by now. ''
Temperance averted her eyes away from Cam.
'' Yes , but the point is now moot , as Booth and I have decided not to go ahead with that particular project. ''
'' No , you have not '' decided '' not to go ahead with it , you just got scared after Booth's operation , and the two of you didn't mention it again. ''
'' I don't see your point. ''
'' The point is , there is a reason why you chose Booth to father your child , and that same reason is what got you running scared after his surgery. It's the reason why both of you have been acting weird ever since he got out of the hospital. ''
Temperance fidgeted , suddenly nervous. '' Cam , I don't think... ''
'' Look , I know you and I aren't as close as you and Angela , but I do care about you , and I've come to know you well enough in these last three years. I also am one of the people who knows Seeley best in this world , so I figure that gives me the right to speak frankly on this subject , am I wrong ? ''
Temperance shook her head slowly , her eyes fixated on Cam.
'' Good. Now , I know you love Booth. '' She held up a hand just as Temperance opened her mouth to protest. '' Please , let's not waste our time with useless denials. You love Seeley , and I know that he loves you. I also know that acknowleding these feelings is what got you running away from him and into the arms of your old boyfriend. '' Cam waited for the weight of her words to sink in.
'' It's not my place to judge your relationship , but I will say that it's plain to see that Sully is not the man you need or want. ''
'' Sully is a good man. '' Temperance argued.
Cam nodded. '' I know he is. But letting him get his hopes up while you know full well that you don't intend to have a future with him , that's not a very nice thing to do. Especially when you know that you're head over heals in love with someone else. Believe me , I know. ''
Temperance squirmed in her seat , knowing that Cam was talking about her own relationship with Booth.
Cam noticed her discomfort and backed down a bit. '' I'll stop with the lecturing now , as it wasn't the primary reason I came in here. ''
'' What was ? '' Temperance asked , wondering where all this was going.
'' I just... I wanted to say that even though right now it looks like things are just piling up against you , don't let it get you down. Don't let it push you farther away from him. ''
'' But Cam , he's married. And he has a child with her. ''
'' He has a child with Rebecca , has that ever bothered you ? '' Cam stared at her , eyebrows raised in question.
'' No , it never has. '' Temperance answered truthfully.
'' Good. Listen , Booth is the kind of guy who wants to have a whole gaggle of kids running around the house causing trouble. He'll never change his mind about that. He was made to be a father. '' Temperance laughed , knowing that to be true.
'' Yes , I know. But now he's not only reunited with his wife , who's memory he's never gotten over , but he also has a daughter with her , which is another strong bond. Booth won't walk away from that. And I shouldn't wish him to. ''
'' Wanting the man you love to come home to you isn't a bad thing. And Booth has always known his own heart and his own mind. He does love Lexie. Adores her , in fact. But he also loves you , more that I thought it would be possible for him to love anyone after Lexie. I'm more than confident that he'll figure things out. In the meantime , he'll need our support , because he will lay down his own life before he lets anything happen to either Lexie or his daughter. And on top of that , you know that the fact that he's missed out on his little girl's childhood will not sit well with him. He'll need us in his corner when he gets back. All of us. ''
Temperance nodded , feeling a lot better than she did a few minutes ago.
'' You're right Cam. We need to concentrate on finding concrete evidence that can help him track down this Jurcevic before anyone else gets hurt. We can do that for him... And more. ''
Cam smiled , happy that she seemed to have gotten through , and leaned over to squeeze Temperance's hand before walking away.
'' Cam ? '' Cam turned back in the scientist's direction.
'' Yes ? ''
'' Do you ?... '' Temperance felt like a giddy teenager. '' Do you really think Booth loves me ? ''
Cam's smile lit up her her face. '' I'm positive. '' She turned to the door again, and strode out of the office.
********************************************************************************************************
Booth closed the laptop , and gave an almighty sigh , running his hands through his already disheveled hair. Jared clapped a hand on his back , and shook his head.
'' You okay bro ? ''
'' Yeah , yeah , I'm fine. It's just... ''
'' I know. '' Jared interrupted him. '' It's one thing dealing with things yourself , but it's another having to tell you friends about it. Especially Temperance. I'm sorry man. ''
Booth chuckled. '' Dude , where were you my whole life ? ''
Jared grinned too. '' I was busy doing everything I could to be a pain in your ass... I'm sorry about that too by the way. '' He lowered his gaze to the floor.
'' We'll talk about that later Jar. Right now , we have to go talk to Gates about the next steps to take. But I will tell you , it's good to have my brother back. '' He extended his hand to Jared.
Jared shook it energetically and Booth took the opportunity to pull him into a fierce hug.
'' I love you Jar. I owe you. ''
'' I love you too. And you don't owe me anything. It was my job to take care of them for you. I owed you. ''
The brothers embraced once more and went to join their family who was gathered in the kitchen.
Booth smiled as he saw his mother sitting in a chair at the table , holding Lexie's hand while his wife tried to make do with only her left one to eat. Katherine hadn't let go of Lexie since the moment she'd stepped out of the van.
His grandather was at the stove , making another batch of his famous grilled-cheese sandwiches , and Ike and Gates were standing at the counter , drinks in hand and deep in discussion. He dropped down into one of the chairs beside his mother while Jared took the one next to Lexie.
'' Bug all tucked in ? '' Jared asked her , stealing one of her pickle chips.
'' Yeah , she didn't even wake-up when we put her to bed. She was exhausted. It's been a big day for her. '' Jared laughed.
'' Sure , locking her bodyguard in a porter-potty must've taken a lot out of her... '' Booth felt himself grin too at the memory.
'' I still can't believe my baby has a baby ! '' Katherine exclaimed rubbing Lexie's arm. Booth and Jared exchanged amused glances , and their mother suddenly looked perplexed. '' Well , that both of my babies have a baby , actually... God ! I feel like I'm one of those Jerry Springer mothers... This isn't weird is it ? '' She asked Jared seriously.
Jared fell over in a fit of laughter and had just about recovered when Booth smacked him upside the head.
'' Hey ! Be respectful... This is your niece we're talking about ! ''
'' Seel , you've got to admit , this is an unusual situation. '' His grandfather chimed in , a suspiscious gleam in his eye. '' But I guess it isn't as unusual as when you two got married. '' He dropped the sandwiches onto a plate and set it in the middle of the table. Booth and Jared both jumped on it , realizing they were starving.
'' But she is a beautiful little thing , sweetheart. '' James told Lexie , while he poured sodas for the boys. '' And it was real nice of you to name her after Kate. ''
Katherine got teary-eyed at that , and gave Lexie a smacking kiss on the cheek. '' Yes Lex , I'm really touched that you did that. ''
Lexie who had never been comfortable around any kind of public displays of affection , squirmed a little in her seat before she returned Katherine's kiss.
'' The only thing I was sure of when I was pregnant was that if it was a girl , I wanted to name her after you. You're the only mother I've known. The best mother I know. And all I could hope for , was to be able to be that kind of mom to my own kid. I don't know if I succeeded , but I tried. '' Jared reached out a hand to her.
'' You have succeeded. Emma's a great kid , and you've been an unbelievable mom. '' Lexie smiled. Booth was curious about something thought , and he'd be damned if he wasn't going to take this opportunity to learn a little more about his daughter.
'' Lex ? '' She turned to look at him. '' Katherine is her middle name. How did you decide on Emma ? '' Lexie smiled , and she and her father exchanged a look.
'' Mom. '' She said simply. And Booth suddenly understood where his daughter's name had come from. He felt a lump rise in his throat as he thought of missing out on his daughter's birth. How he wished he'd been there to share it with Lexie. But he knew that she had felt the loss too , and in true Lexie style , she must have been a trooper about it. He was happy she had chosen to name their daughter in honor of the two women who meant the most to her.
'' I'm afraid I don't understand sweetheart. Your mother's name was Colleen. '' James said , a little confused.
'' Yes it was. Colleen Emma Kennedy. '' She looked at Ike again , and smiled feebly.
'' I remember her. Wonderful woman. She was a teacher wasn't she ? Litterature , I think ? I remember that she seemed to have a book in her hands all the time. '' James said , reminisning. '' So you chose Emma from her middle name ? ''
'' Yes. '' Lexie said. '' But there's another reason too. '' I don't have a lot of things left from my mom , but one of the only things I have is an old worn copy of her favorite book. Dad used to read it to me when I was little. He said mom could've recited it by heart , she knew it so well. And then when I was old enough to do it by myself , I made a point of taking the book out every year on my birthday and read it. It reminded me of her. ''
'' What was the book ? '' Gates asked , drawn in , in spite of himself.
'' Emma , by Jane Austen. '' Lexie replied with a smile. '' So you see , I really had no choice when it came to naming her. I thought it sounded so soft , so delicate. Emma Katherine. '' She said wistfully. '' And she turned out to be anything but... Jared and I have barely been able to control her all these years. '' Lexie was smiling as she said it , the adoration in her voice evident , in spite of the words.
Katherine laughed loudly. '' Ah ! The return of the tides... How satisfying it is ! '' Ike was laughing too , as was James. '' Sorry to say this my love , but even the Navy couldn't get you under control. I'm afraid you're destined to love her despite her faults , just as I was... '' Katherine said dramatically , kissing Lexie's hand.
'' I was not that bad ! '' Booth snorted.
'' Oh no ! You weren't that bad! I remember a day , when you were nine , which by the way , is our daughter's age right now , where Ike and mom seriously considered giving you up for adoption. '' Lexie turned to her father , eyebrows raised in surprised.
'' Hey , the boy speaks the truth.'' Ike said.
'' As I was saying... '' Booth continued. '' I remember the day where in the space of just a couple of hours , you managed to break the washing machine by dumping all of your toys in it to wash them. After which , you proceeded to drain the whole pool of its water by hitting backwash on the pump , because you wanted a mud pit to play in with Jared , and you forgot to turn it off. And to close this wonderful day , you let loose four garden snakes in the house because you said they looked cold outside. It took Ike and me five hours to catch them all and let them out. '' Booth finished , a grin on his face.
Jared by now , was holding his stomach from laughing so hard. Lexie got up from her chair and stood , arms crossed and looking smug.
'' Yes , and look how wonderfully I turned out ! I'll leave now , if you don't mind , before anybody else feels the need to bring back my glory days. '' She bent to kiss Katherine , and walked over to do the same for James and Ike. '' I'll see you all tomorrow. Sleep tight. '' And then she was gone.
'' I think I'll go to bed too. '' Katherine said , planting a kiss on each of her boys's heads. '' Goodnight everyone. ''
Once she too had gone , the mood between the men changed and became infinitely more serious. Gates and Ike came over to sit in the now empty chairs at the table.
'' So. '' Booth said , addressing Gates. '' How do we do this ? ''
'' Specific instructions on your living situation once in Washington will be given to you an hour before our arrival. We're operating this way to make sure no information gets out until we have everything set up. I can tell you , we've assigned five men to your personal security. They've been instructed to never leave your side , unless I order them personally. There will also be a detail that will trail you wherever you are , be it at your residence or else. You will not move without being shadowed. In addition , surveillance equipment will be set up at your place and you will be monitered at all times. ''
'' That's all good. '' Jared said. '' But are they supposed to hide forever ? Jones was undercover and they managed to find him... What makes you think you can provide better security for my family ? ''
'' Mr. Booth , you seem unaware of this fact , but we will also be assigning protection to you , Mr. Harrisson , as well as your nephew too. ''
Booth blanched , but nodded in acceptance.
'' We do not imagine that assigning you new identities will prevent the inevitable from happening. Which is why we've decided that the only course of action would be to hide in plain sight. ''
'' What does that mean ? '' James asked.
'' It means , grandpa , that they're not going to hide us. '' Jared said teeth clenched. Booth looked at Ike who seemed as shocked as they were.
'' It means... '' Booth continued his brother's train of thought. '' That they want to use us as bait. ''
Gates nodded. '' It's the only way we'll be able to get Jurcevic. I must ask you to put your faith in us. We will be able to protect you. ''
'' Yeah , sure , I trust you. But I trust myself more. Jared , Ike and I will also be watching over my wife and daughter. And somehow the fact that any one of us would rather die than see them hurt , reassures me more than the United States Government ever could. If you'll excuse me , I think I'll go grab a couple hours's sleep myself. '' He strode out without waiting for a response.
The fuckers ! They were going to use them as bait ! He'd known it was a possibility , but he'd thought there would be another solution. And Gates was talking as thought what he was asking them to do was no big deal at all. He was not going to entrust his family's lives to the likes of those clowns. Sure , he knew they were good at what they did , but they weren't family. Only family watched out for family in the end... Anyone of their deaths would just constitute a casualty of war for them. Indirectly , but still , that's what they'd be.
He was going to go straight to Cullen as soon as he was back in Washington , and they'd figure something out. They'd set something up. He raked his hands through his hair again as he walked to the guest bedroom. Man ! He'd have to face Rebecca and Parker , and Bones and the squints... He would have to explain everything to everyone and tell them to be careful and to watch out for themselves. The weight of it all suddenly fell upon him and his shoulders sagged as if a giant load had effectively been dropped upon them. But , as he pushed the door open , and his eyes settled on the bed , he thought that he'd never minded the charge less.
Emma was sleeping on her side , her left arm thrown up above her , and her face turned into Lexie's hair , her right hand gripping a strand of it. The moonlight coming in from the window cast a glow on Lexie's creamy white skin and fiery mane and made her look like an angel. Booth knew from experience that her soft breathing indicated that she was in a deep sleep. He let his gaze travel over them , taking in Lexie's grip on Emma even while they slept , and he took a moment to ask God to give him the strength to protect his family.
He hesitated only for a second before he took off his pants and shirt , and put them aside on the trunk at the foot of the bed. Clad in only his boxers and undershirt , he moved to lay down beside Emma when something caught his attention. He peered into the darkness , and could make out a glint in the soft moonlight. He reached out and ran a finger down Lexie's neck until it came in contact with a thin golden chain that had been hidden under her clothes. Making sure not to wake her , he delicately pulled on it until it came loose from her tank top.
His heart lurched as he realized that the object hanging from the end of the chain , matched the one that was safely hidden in his pants pocket. He fingered the gold band , feeling its smooth suface , and he let his mind wander to the day he had put it on her finger. Choking back a sob , he placed the chain back onto her chest , and slid into bed beside them. He slid his arm over his two girls , bringing them closer to him , and shut his eyes , once again praying to God that he help him watch over them all.
