A/N Thanks to everyone who reviewd the last chapter. Now I have no knowledge of the law and i'm sure Sully wouldn't have just got off so easily but for my stories sake I had to make it quick.

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Chapter 25.

The journey to Booth's apartment had been pretty uneventful. They had hardly spoken two words to each other. The roads had been quiet though thus allowing them to arrive at his place in record time. After he successfully parked up he quickly clambered out, racing around to the passenger door so he could help Brennan out of the vehicle. "Hey Bones be careful there" as she swung the door open and was already half way out.

"I'm okay Booth" she spat in her stubborn tone of voice. As much as she wanted to rely on Booth she knew she had to be independant and try to regain some normality as soon as remotely possible. She exited the suv and reached into the backseat for her things.

Booth was agitated by her actions "Bones! Haven't you come to the realisation that you were shot twice, and have had major surgery. So forgive me if i'm trying to be the caring party here." It had no effect though, she still insisted she could do it all by herself and when he offered to carry her bag, she objected once again.

Slamming the car door he made his way inside the apartment block with Brennan in tow. She was limping slightly and Booth felt the need to take the bag from her. "Just give me the bag Bones!" He snapped.

"I'm fine Booth" she told him once again, but this time he wasn't taking no for an answer.

"Yeah so you keep saying, but you're not fine and don't believe that you are. It's okay to be vulnerable once in awhile. To feel the need for someone to take care of you. The doctor already told you that it was vital for you to get complete rest for at least a week didn't he?"

Brennan remained silent. There was no way she was going to rest up for a week. She had a life and not to mention a job that required her full attention.

"Bones!" are you even listening to me?" He stressed as he unlocked the door to the apartment.

"Of course I am! I just don't need to be told what to do by doctors, by you, or by anyone else for that matter."

Why is she being like this? "Okay have it your way, but don't say I didn't warn you. Now why don't you sit down. Thats if you don't mind me telling you to do that and i'll get you something to drink."

"Lemonade please."

Booth was a little surprised at her choice of beverage, but he quickly complied disappearing into the small kitchen.

Brennan surveyed his apartment. It was light and airy but much smaller then what she was used to. It was funny now she came to think about it. In the whole six months they had been together she had never once stepped foot in his place.

"Oh Bones" He called from the kitchen "Angela and Hodgins asked if they could drop by later. I told them that would be fine." When he got no response he called again "Hey Bones that was okay right?"

"That's fine" she finally answered. Her mind drifted to the previous few weeks. The one thing on her mind though which she had been dreading to get answers to was the situation regarding Sully. The torment he had put her through was far to much to bare and that's why she needed to know. "Booth?"

"Yes" he answered as he set the cool beverage she had requested down on the small coffee table.

She bit her lip rather nervous about asking "Have you been able to find out what's being going on with our case?"

Booth froze. He knew the moment would come when she would start asking questions, he just didn't want it to be now. However looking into her mesmorising eyes he was more obligated then ever. "I'll tell you, but I can't promise you're going to like it" he informed her.

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The day had come for his appointment with Dr Leonard. He was convinced though if he played his cards right he could convince this doctor of his insanity just as easy as Emily. It won't be long now. He sniggered. Now as he sat across the table just like he had done with Emily he remained calm and collected. He needed to focus on keeping his story straight right down to the last detail. He couldn't afford to make a mistake especially since now he was so close to achieving his goal.

Just as I thought Sully grinned as he felt he had accomplished something. Dr Leonard had asked several different questions then Emily but he had answered them with the same insane answer and as the doctor left the room he felt it had gone surprisingly well.

Now as Sully stood nervously in front of the judge he crossed his fingers. He had been told he needed to attend court to find out his fate. Both Dr Emily Daniels and Dr Leonard had presented their findings to the judge. Even though the the degree of insanity he had been diagnosed with had differed slightly they had both come to same conclusion. Emily now stood next to Sully twiddling her thumbs. District attorney Kathy Yates stood on his other side as the judge mulled over the evidence he had been presented with. The uncomfortable silence was daunting. Devlin took a seat at the back of the courtroom. He hadn't wanted to miss this for the world. He was convinced that the law would prevail and the judge would be setting a trial date so Sully could be properly punished.

Though after several minutes of him listening to the judge going over the charges and then the content of the doctors evidence he was shocked to the point of disbelief when the judge accepted his dimished capacity plea. Furthermore he had agreed that based on both phychiatric reports he was to be detained at the Lakeside minimum security instituion for a period of just twelve months.

Sully let out a cry of joy giving both Emily and his attorney a hug of pure excitment.

Devlin however clenched his fists. How can he be allowed to get away with this? Sully is getting off lightly compared to what Agent Booth and Dr Brennan had gone through he thought to himself. He felt sick to the stomach. He would be locked up but for twelve months which was totally pathetic. He left the courtroom seething.

Sully was then led away by two guards. Emily whispered something in his ear before he left and he smiled at her.

Devlin had waited for Emily to emerge from the courtroom before he almost pounced on her "Do you honestly think he didn't know what he was doing? Do you think torture, attempted rape and murder is just something to be dismissed?" He asked angrily.

Emily eyed him dismissively "I'm sorry but the evidence suggests his state of mind at the time shows he can not be held accountable for the crime. At least now Mr Sullivan will get the proper medical care he requires at the institute.

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Sully sat in his cell grinning maliciously. He couldn't believe this. It really was too good to be true. He wasn't going to prison meaning he now had time to put his plan into motion. He would need Emily for this but he was sure he could wrap her around his little finger. Don't worry Tempy soon i'll have you again. I've been given a second chance to make this work and this time I'm not going to blow it.

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Booth hadn't expected Angela and Hodgins to show up so soon, but now they were here he had to make the best of it.

Angela ran over to hug Brennan as soon as Booth answered the door. "Sweetie! How does it feel to be home? Okay technically it's not home but hey.. " She took a good look around before continuing "it is kinda cozy." She gave Brennan a playful wink.

Angela being cozy is the last thing on my mind. I just think i'll be able to relax more when I know that lunatic is behind bars for good."

Angela almost choked. Obviously Booth hasn't told her. Yeah I'm sure he's going to get what he deserves" she reassured her, yet her voice was still full of uncertainty.

Hodgins lay a comforting hand on Booth's shoulder as he entered into the living room. "Hey man how's it going?"

Booth nodded "So far so good but this only the beginning remember."

Hodgins followed Booth into the kitchen when Booth invited him for a drink. He decided to leave Angela and Brennan gossiping on the couch.

"So how does it feel, now you're finally living with Booth?" Angela asked eagerly.

"It feels strange but at the same time kind of right." Brennan told her.

"Well this maybe.. you know an invite for a more serious.. you know.. a taking your relationship to a more serious level opportunity."

"ANGELA! she couldn't believe her best friend. After all she and Booth had been through that was the only thing on her mind.

Angela apologised immediatly as she saw the deathly look on her friends face. "I'm sorry, you know me and my one track mind."

Brennan had gotten used to Angela's normal hints before they were in a relationship and even during their relationship, so instead she just shrugged it off.

The doorbell ringing startled them both. Booth went to answer it, more cautiously then he had ever had to before. He was surprised to see Devlin standing there wearing a rather grim appearance.

"Devlin" Booth invited him in, then gestured him to the join him in kitchen. He would rather keep this topic of conversation out of earshot of Brennan for now at least.

Brennan though had already noticed him and instantly stood up making her way to the kitchen. It all seemed a little quiet for her liking so she held back as not to be seen.

"I'm sorry Booth, for stopping by so late but it really was necessary."

"What is it?" Booth didn't like the look on Devlins face. "Is this about Sully?"

"They accepted his plea Booth. The judge actually believed his story about not being responsible for what he did. There isn't going to be a trial."

Booth took a few seconds to comprehend what he had heard "WHAT!"

I'm so sorry Booth." He knew there were no words right now that could make it better.

"So the bastard is just going to get away with trying to murder us?"

"He's going to be detained at the Lakeside institution. It's a minimum security unit."

"For how long?" Came Booth's next question.

"Twelve months."

Brennan gasped on hearing this information. No this can't be happening The room began to spin. She reached out with her arm holding onto the wall for support. She could no longer keep herself steady though and she collasped to the floor...