21 Complicated
Karen Cole sized up the handsome agent as he walked out of her office. "That man is definite date potential," she thought. She was uncertain as to what she had interrupted earlier when she walked into the tent where Dr. Brennan and Agent Booth were waiting earlier. She hadn't overheard them, but their body language spoke volumes. "Oh well, it can't hurt to let him know I like what I see," she mused to herself. Besides, maybe they were just discussing the case.
She followed him out into the reception area and left instructions with the receptionist, Christie Farra, to scan and send the visitor's log to Agent Booth. While she spoke to Christie, Booth noticed a bus pulled up outside of the visitors center and several dozen elementary school students flooded out of it and into the small lobby around them with their chaperons trying to keep them together.
"Sorry about this, Agent Booth," Cole apologized over the din of the children. "It seems we have a tour group today."
"I can see that," Booth said with a look of pleasure on his face as he observed the excited children.
Cole noticed Booth's expression and thought to herself, "Well, he likes kids. That's another plus in his column." To Booth, she said, "Don't worry. We'll keep the tour well clear of the the Pyrite Mine until you and Dr. Brennan clear the scene."
One of the adults who entered with the children approached Ranger Cole. He was tall, fair haired, and slightly overweight with ruddy skin. "Excuse me. Is there something wrong in the Park? We saw a few police cars on the way in."
With a glance at Agent Booth, Cole replied in low tones, "Actually, sir, there is one section of the Park that will be off limits during your tour due to a law enforcement investigation at the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine. Please let me assure you, there is no danger to the children."
"Can you tell me what sort of investigation? These are fifth-graders. I really don't want them seeing anything a parent might consider inappropriate," the man said.
Booth nodded to Cole before she asked the man, "Perhaps we could speak in my office then?" The man agreed and turned to follow her. Booth accompanied them in case he could assist in the explanation. When they arrived in her office, Cole shut the door behind everyone. "I'm Karen Cole, supervising Ranger at Prince William Forest Park."
The man shook her hand and identified himself in turn, "Ranger Cole. Thank you for speaking with me privately. My name is Dennis Herron. I'm a science teacher at River Oaks Elementary. We have two classes of children here today, and I just want to ensure that everything is safe for them to enjoy the park, and to ensure that I won't have dozens of angry parents sending threatening emails to me and the principal.
"Mr. Herron, the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine section of the park will be closed to your tour. One of my Rangers discovered something out at the old mine that has become part of an FBI investigation. The gentleman beside you is Special Agent Seeley Booth of the FBI, who is leading the investigation," she told him candidly.
"Oh, my," Herron said. "May I ask what was found?"
Booth indicated he would field that question. "Mr. Herron, I would prefer not to disclose the nature of the investigation at this point," Booth began, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Cole stepped around them with an "Excuse me," to open the door slightly, then stepped into the hallway momentarily. She spoke in hushed tones with person on the other side of the door before returning.
"It seems the press is here, Agent Booth. I don't think we'll be able to keep this completely under wraps at this point," she told Booth.
"Great," Booth said dejectedly. Turning his focus back to Herron, he said, "Well, Mr. Herron, since it seems the press has caught this story, you get your answer." Herron looked curiously relieved and concerned at the same time.
"Late yesterday evening, human remains were discovered near the Pyrite Mine site. The remains are estimated to be several weeks old. Recovery is continuing this morning, and should be concluded sometime today," Booth said.
Herron sat down heavily at the news. "Oh, this is awful."
"It is; but my partner has the recovery under control. There is no reason for concern and nothing for the children to fear. If they comment on the police presence, just tell them there is an investigation at the site and redirect their attention. There are plenty of other things to occupy them at the park, right Ms. Cole?"
"Absolutely. There are actually several exhibits here that we can start the children on. They may never notice anything out of the ordinary.
"Thank you for your candor," Herron said quietly. "You're right. There's no need to disrupt the trip so long as we aren't exposed to... to...."
"You won't be," Cole said kindly. "Please trust me. This park is safe. The victim was not a park visitor. Our guests are in no danger. And please, don't tell the children anything unless you must. There are so many other things to fill their minds with."
Herron nodded and thanked them before excusing himself to rejoin his group.
"Hm, that didn't go too well," Cole said, re-closing the door to her office.
"As well as it could. He'll do the right thing," Booth said.
"I hope you're right," Cole said quietly.
"Of course I am. You'll see.
"I intend to hold you to that," Cole said with a lightness returning to her voice. "Because, if it isn't, I think I deserve at least a dinner, don't you?"
"Dinner?" Booth squeaked, and then chuckled. "I'm afraid I'd have to make it up to you in a more official manner than that, Ms. Cole."
"Oh, you're seeing someone?" she asked.
"Ah, yes, er, no," Booth sighed. "It's complicated."
Cole's expression changed from slightly dejected to highly amused while Booth wavered over his answer.
"It's Dr. Brennan, isn't it?" she asked.
Booth just looked at her for a moment and then nodded briefly as he said, "Yea."
"I had a feeling. Oh, well. A girl has to try. If you get tired of complicated, give me a call," she said with a shrug and a smile as she opened the door. "I'm decidedly uncomplicated."