Chapter 29
"Booth" Temperance said cautiously, laying a gentle hand on his arm drawing his attention back to her.
He turned his face to her, and Brennan's heart hurt for him as she took in the anger she could see swirling in his eyes. But underneath that anger, she could see the shock and the pain that Booth felt knowing that his oldest friend had felt that she had to lie to him. Knowing how much he prided himself on being a good friend, a loyal friend...the idea that Lily had kept something so big from him...it hurt him.
"Booth...you need to calm down." She said softly.
"Calm?" he questioned in disbelief. He walked to her desk and picked up the picture of Jeremy Douglas and strode back to Brennan shoving the picture in front of her face "Calm?" he repeated, his voice rising. "This man" he shook the picture slightly "This man approached you...my partner...made veiled threats...turned out to be a complete bastard who is dangerous...and she says nothing! Nothing Bones! That man's her father and she lied to me! To us..." he yells this at her.
Brennan just watches him with sad eyes, understanding what he was feeling but unsure how she could help. She knew that he needed to calm down if he was going to be any use in finding Lily's father...but she wasn't going to risk making that suggestion again.
"Booth" she said sternly, deciding the nice approach just wasn't going to work right now. "What if she had a good reason?" she questioned practically.
Booth stared at her in disbelief.
"A good...?" he said, and Brennan watched as the fight seemed to drain out of him. He studied the floor for a moment before glancing back at her. Temperance gasped at the look of betrayal in his eyes, as he moved away from her and collapsed on the sofa, holding his head in his hands.
Brennan watched him with worry clear in her eyes, before slowly, moving towards him and laying a cautious hand on his leg. Booth didn't move but spoke in a broken whisper, so quiet Brennan had to lean close to his head to her.
"She told me he was dead Bones" he whispered before raising his head and looking back at the picture still clutched in his hand. "Does he look dead to you?" he asked.
"Well obviously not Booth. He's very much alive." Brennan stated, confused with his question until she glanced at Booth to see him looking at her with a slight smile on his face. "Oh you were being sarcastic?" He nodded. "Oh" she said, feeling a bit embarrassed. He said nothing but grabbed her hand in his, giving her a comforting squeeze causing her to smile. Even when he's confused and upset he still thought to comfort her first. One of the many reasons she loved him.
"Bones it's just..." he sighed heavily, trying to get his thoughts together. "I've known her 17 years...almost 18...and for that time she's let me believe he was dead. Why?" he questioned in frustration, running a hand distractedly through his hair. "Why couldn't she tell me? Was I that bad a friend that she felt she couldn't?" he looked at Brennan, waiting for the sensible, logical words that never fail to comfort him.
He was shocked by what came next.
"Booth...stop feeling so sorry for yourself!" she said firmly, not backing down when he looked hurt at her words. "This isn't about you Booth! Maybe there's a reason she didn't tell you? You've read about the type of man this is...maybe him being dead was the best option for her."
"Come on, Bones, he's no worse than Max is!" he stated in defence before realising what he had said. He looked at her apologetically but she just shrugged it off.
"Maybe so Booth, but thanks to you I realise everything my parents did was for me and Russ. I know my father loves me...and I know he'd never hurt me...or you. What does Lily know?" she questioned, her voice having softened at this point as she could see the realisation dawning in Booths eyes.
He sat there silently for a moment before sending her a grateful smile. He stood up sharply and turned to pull Brennan to her feet. He wrapped his arms round her and gave her a long hug, enjoying having her in his arms.
"Thanks, Bones. Now you stay here and work." He said, pulling away from her to glance down.
"Well where are you going?" she asked.
"I'm going to find Lily." He said determinedly.
"OK Booth but please...listen to her. OK?" she beseeched him.
"I will" he said, smiling as she looked at him unconvinced. "I promise I will ok?"
Brennan continued to gaze at him warily before nodding slowly, knowing he wouldn't break a promise to her.
Booth couldn't resist pulling her in for another hug, loving the fact she was so worried for his friend...even if he was the reason she was worried. He planted a soft kiss on her lips before pulling away.
"I'll call you later. Be careful."
Brennan rolled her eyes but didn't argue, and he smiled in victory before turning a walking out of her office, his mind already focused on the task ahead. He strode over to where Cam was standing on the platform supervising Wendell.
"Camille" he called.
She turned to face him with a frown on his face.
"Don't call me Camille!" she said, crossing her arms in annoyance.
"Cam" he said with a winning smile, and she rolled her eyes before grudgingly returning it.
"What can I do for you, big guy?"
"I need you to watch Bones." He said quickly, glancing behind him to make sure she hadn't followed him.
"You want me to do what?" Cam asked incredulously.
"Watch Bones. No time to explain but don't let her go anywhere on her own...ok? It's not safe." He said seriously, all traces of his previous good humour gone.
Cam took in the look on his face and nodded slowly.
"No problem Booth. Just...explain later...ok?"
She posed it as a question but Booth knew she was serious.
"I will Cam. Just need some time to sort it out myself. I'll fill you in tomorrow" he said, before bounding back down the stairs and heading towards the doors.
"Booth"
He stopped when he heard his name being called, and took a deep breath before turning around, anxious to be on his way. His look turned to one of confusion as he saw Angela heading towards him with a look of concern on her face.
"Booth, what's wrong with Lily?" she asked quickly, not waiting for an answer before bursting into speech. "She went to Bren's office then next thing I know she running out of here like the devil himself is after her. What the hell went on in there?" she questioned, crossing her arms and getting a stubborn look on her face...the look Booth knew to mean he wouldn't get to leave until she was satisfied.
"Look Ange... I need to find Lily and I don't have time. Talk to Bones...she can tell you everything. OK?" he said, not waiting for an answer before turning to leave again.
"Booth" she called again.
"What Ange" he said as he swung back round, the frustration clear to hear in his voice and to see on his face.
"Just...I rarely see you like this but when I do...I know things are bad so...be careful." She said.
His face softened at the worry he could see on her face.
"Always Ange"
