Week 2 - Thursday, Afternoon

Seeley sat at his desk going through his paperwork. It had taken him the rest of the morning, as well as a couple of hours after lunch to finally clean up the mess Kelly had created. He had finally set the last folder, with its reconstituted witness statements, reports and investigator notes in the 'Completed' pile. As he ran his hands over the cleared desk, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened, top shirt button undone, he took a deep breath of satisfaction. The light from his desk lamp illuminated the bright white bandage on his right forearm. Homer Simpson's voice sounded from his computer, "The Mail! The mail is here! Ooooh…" He smiled as he turned to his computer. He brought up his e-mail window to see Temperance had sent him message with the subject line, 'The American Dream.' Smirking, he double-clicked the message.

"Dearest Seeley,

I hope our lunch today at the Royal Diner in some small way helped ease your mind. I found something on the Internet that may help as well. I've attached the WAV file."

Seeley's eyes traveled to the address block where he saw the file, "American Dream." He scanned back down to the body of the message.

"Love, Temperance"

"PS. I found your note! It brought a smile to my face. Angela said I was 'glowing.' Although I told her I hadn't noticed any change in my normal reflectivity."

Seeley smiled, remembering his lunchtime subterfuge in placing his note in her bag. He also appreciated her gentle teasing of Angela. He knew Temperance used her seeming obtuseness as a way to allow others to maintain equilibrium in their relationships with her. She knew very well what Angela meant by saying she was glowing.

Seeley moved the cursor and double-clicked on the file, starting the media player. After a moment, Homer's voice once again filtered from the speakers, "Kill my boss? Do I dare live out the American Dream?" Seeley laughed.

A voice from the doorway snapped Seeley back, "Making plans for the weekend?"

Seeley's smile disappeared. Thinking himself caught, his head jerked to the doorway. Only to see Tom standing there holding a couple of file folders…smiling. Relief spread over Seeley as Tom moved into the office, swinging the door closed as he advanced. "I wouldn't mind offering my services to the cause," he said lightly.

Seeley returned the smile. He pointed to the screen, "Just something Bones sent me." He added, "To lighten my mood." Seeley offered Tom the visitor's chair.

Tom said, "Thanks," as he sat down. He pointed to the computer, "I wouldn't mind having a copy of that, if you don't mind."

"I'll send it to you," Seeley acknowledged. He indicated the file folders, "Is that what I think it is?"

Tom leaned forward, holding the folders out to Seeley, "Deputy Director William Kelly. AKA 'Will.' And Robert Jackson Jeffries."

Surprised, Seeley reached out and took the folders. "That was quick," he said admiringly, beginning to open the folders.

Tom shook his head, "No need to be so impressed." Seeley looked up from the folders. Tom continued, "The information for Kelly is pretty much the same as what I supplied Dad." Seeley smiled at Tom's reference to Jon. Tom added, "Jeffries was another matter."

"How so?"

"Well, since he's in the government, a lot of the information is sealed."

Seeley examined the thick file and then looked at Tom dubiously. "Then how…"

Tom smiled, "I have my ways." He extended his hand with the index and pinky finger extended, pointing at the folders. Waggling his fingers from side to side, he said, "I also did a comparison for any intersects between the two…" Seeley looked impressed. Tom added, "And their wives."

Seeley, now slack-jawed, asked, "Find anything interesting?"

"They belong to the same alumni organization from college."

Seeley nodded with understanding. Resting his hand on the folders, he said, "Thanks, Tom. I owe you one."

Tom stood, shaking his head. "Forget about it." He looked through the glass at the Director's door. "If it means he leaves here sooner than later," he turned back to Seeley, "I'm happy to do it." He started towards the door, "Just let me know if you need anything else."

Before Tom got to the door Seeley said, "Wait a minute, Tom." Tom stopped and turned to Seeley. "Didn't you say you wanted to ask me something?"

Seeley could see him rolling it around in his head. Tom put his right hand in his pocket. His head nodding slightly, he looked up at Seeley's wall, not really seeing anything. Finally, Tom nodded more assertively and walked over towards the desk. He pulled something out of his pocket and set it on top of the folders; then seated himself back in the visitor's chair.

Seeley looked at the small, black, velvet box resting atop the light blue folder. His mind working, he looked at Tom, who looked back at him, waiting. Without a word, Seeley reached out; picking up the box, he opened it. Perched inside, a diamond engagement ring rested in the ring slot. Seeley nodded. "I'm flattered, Tom," he said. He continued, "But you do know I'm already married," Seeley looked at him. He added, "And straight."

Tom rolled his eyes, "I know that!" he exclaimed. "Both!" Almost exasperated, he said, "It's not for you!" He began reaching out for the jewelry box. Seeley, still holding the box in his left hand, moved it out of Tom's reach. Tom continued, "It's for Tammy!"

Seeley's eyebrows arched, "Congratulations!" he said with a smile. "But I don't…"he started with a gentle shake of his head.

"I wanted to ask how you did it," Tom said.

"Did what?" Seeley asked, starting to grow confused.

"Asked Doctor Booth to marry you," Tom explained. "I mean, I want to do it right. And seeing how you and Doctor Booth are…I mean, you've got a great marriage and I wanted to know how you started out." He paused a moment, "Maybe see if you've got any tips?"

Seeley's expression turned to one of puzzlement. "Thanks," he said, turning his gaze to the black and white photograph again. He turned back to Tom, "Bones and I have a great marriage, but I'm not sure what works for us would necessarily work for you two." He ticked his head towards the outer office. "Isn't there someone closer to your own age…" he started.

Tom interrupted, "Yeah, I've talked to Chaz. And he didn't really give me any help." At Seeley's blank expression, he continued. "I mean, when he and Jules got engaged it was one of those, 'Well, it's the next logical step in the relationship' things. I want to do something romantic...something she'll remember."

Booth was genuinely surprised that Tom would come to him for this kind of advice. He shrugged, "I'm honored you would come to me about this, but I'm not sure I can really help you." At Tom's disappointed look, he continued, "I mean, I'm not Tammy. So I don't know what she would find romantic or breathtaking." Tom nodded, obviously disappointed. Seeley said, "But I can tell you this…it probably won't matter how you say it, or where you say it. Just speak from your heart." Tom's expression started to soften. "You Love her…just tell her how much she means to you. How you would feel if she were no longer in your life. How you want to spend the rest of your lives together…and beyond if you two believe in that." Seeley could see Tom's demeanor become lighter. "Have you two talked about marriage before?"

Tom nodded, "It's been awhile though."

"And she was receptive then?"

"Yes…although our concern then was the timing."

"Well," Seeley smiled. "Once you're engaged you don't have to set the date right then and there. Probably be best to leave a little wiggle room. Don't make her feel like you're trying to box her in or make her commit before she's ready." Seeley held the box out to the younger man.

"Thanks Booth," Tom said as he reached out for the box.

Seeley noted Tom's lack of the word "Agent." He found he was quite content not to be talking as a co-worker. As Tom took the box, Seeley reached out with his other hand in a congratulatory handshake. "Good luck to you," he said. As Tom and he shook hands he continued, "Let me know how it goes."

"Thanks, I will," Tom said and began moving towards the door again. He almost got to the door when Seeley stopped him again.

"So, what did you use for the case number and approval authority for this?"

Tom's hand grasped the handle as he turned back to Seeley, "I used Kelly's." Seeley's jaw dropped. "I figured he had placed so many search requests, he wouldn't spot two more in the pile."

As Seeley bounced from one folder to the other, gleaning bits of information from one and trying to piece it together with scraps from the other, the ringing of his telephone startled him. Looking up, he could see the agents in the outer office. Some were standing, packing their belongings in preparation for leaving for the day. Others were talking on the telephone, shutting down their computers or otherwise joking between each other. Seeley saw the Director's office was dark; the door closed. So engrossed in his study of the files, he never saw Kelly leave.

The telephone rang again. Still watching the agents leaving, some waving goodnight to him, and he returning the wave, he reached out for the handset. He heard Chaz yell in, "Night, Booth." Seeley nodded in response and waved.

He picked up the phone, "Major Crimes, Special Agent Booth," he said into the receiver.

"Just how 'Special' are you, Agent Booth?" the man's voice said. Seeley recognized the voice immediately.

"How's it going, Jon?" he said with a smile. He leaned back into his chair.

"I'm doing good, Seel," Jon said. "How about you?"

Seeley shrugged, "Oh, pretty much same old, same old." His eyes darting around the office, he continued, "So, how was the flight?"

"Nice," Jon's voice was light, relaxed. "I tell you, that's the way to fly. When you guys come down, we'll have to make sure you come that way. No hassles with security, no screaming kids, plenty of leg room…"

"What do you need leg room for?" Seeley jabbed. "Those stubby little things you have can't take up much room, can they?"

"They seem to do the job for me," Jon shot back. "And as I remember it, they did the job for you at one point, didn't they?"

"Oohh!" Seeley said. "Game, set and match!" After a moment's laughter by both men, Seeley said, "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of a phone call?"

"Just wanted to touch base with you on a couple of things. I know how you sometimes forget about things, especially when you get wrapped up with Temperance," he paused. "You might want to take notes at some point during this conversation."

"It's a pretty easy choice," Seeley said as he reached for a pen and a pad of paper. "Thinking about you or Temperance? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which will hold my interest."

"On that we agree," Jon said. "A rocket scientist you ain't." The two men laughed again. "Ready?" Jon asked.

"Fire away," Seeley said.

"First off," Jon said. "Has Torres gotten back in touch with you yet? Or Gibbs?"

Seeley shook his head, "Nope…Do you really expect him to?"

"Well, I told him he had three days…I just wanted to see how seriously he took the threat. How are you doing…with Kelly?"

"I found out one of his problems," Seeley said.

"Besides being a first-class prick?"

"Well, that too," Seeley laughed. He continued, "He mentioned the Jeffries case today. In a tone that meant it would be better for me if I decided to drop it."

"Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Are you going to drop the case?" Jon asked. "Nobody would blame you if you did. I mean it's not like he's going to serve any time or pay a major fine."

Seeley shook his head. "I'm not sure if I want to give the asshole the satisfaction. I may drop it, but only if it will get Kelly to step off everyone else's neck." He could hear Jon grunt his acknowledgement. "I had Tom do some research on both him and Jeffries…see if I can tie them together."

"Find anything?" Jon asked.

Seeley nodded, "A couple things that look promising."

"Let me know if you need any help."

Seeley knew exactly what kind of 'help' Jon was thinking of providing. "I'll let you know."

"I've overnighted some legal papers to you," Jon continued. "One packet is my will. It's a mix of paperwork and a video disc. I'd like you to safeguard it for me. I've also sent a copy to my attorney up there."

Again Seeley nodded, "No problem. But wouldn't Cricket…" Seeley started and then realized what he was about to say. He closed his eyes, "Sorry, man."

Seeley could swear he could hear Jon smile. "Don't worry about it Seel. You're right. She's going to safeguard a copy also. While I'm not hoping to go anytime soon, I'm hoping she'll be the one who has to take care of the arrangements. I'm counting on you to help her out with that, by the way. But if not, you're my next choice as executor."

"Okay…but that situation isn't going to happen for a long, long time. For either of you two."

"Thanks, Seel. I'll tell her you're praying for her. As am I."

"You?" Seeley said surprised. "You haven't been particularly religious before."

"Well," Jon explained. "Since I've been with Christine, and gotten older…" he paused. And then, "You know."

"Indeed I do," Seeley affirmed.

"Next," Jon continued, "I'm going to send you contracts, a Power of Attorney and a Cashier's Check to close the deal with Steve for the bar. Can you take care of that for me? You'll have to coordinate with my attorney to draw on a line of cash for the day-to-day operation of the bar."

"Sure…at least the purchase part of it. But I don't know anything about running a bar."

"Don't worry about it. Steve agreed to run it for another two months until we get up there permanently." Jon added, "Plus, his head waitress, Jennifer?" Seeley nodded. Jon continued, "He's been grooming her to take on more of the responsibilities."

"Going from a waitress to a manager?"

"Well, from what I remember, Steve said she started out as a bar back, then did some bartending and now bounces between bartender and waitress. She seems to be on the ball."

"Okay," Seeley said, making notes on the pad. "Anything else?"

"Yep, one more thing…for now. The Bureau still has our guns. We couldn't take them with us when we came back down here because they weren't done with them. Once the Bureau finishes their investigation into the shootings, can you pick them up and keep them until we get back up there?"

"Uhhh…I'm not sure they'll release them to me," Seeley said doubtfully.

"I'm sending documentation, notarized and everything, authorizing you to pick them up. I just don't want them sitting in the armory. You never know what those guys will do with them," Jon explained.

"No problem," Seeley said, again making notes on the pad.

The two men spent the next half hour passing the time, talking about nothing of import, but the interaction of father and son was the reason both men were so reluctant to terminate the conversation. They spoke of wives, work and plans. Seeley and Temperance were going to take a trip to Alaska in September to see Parker once Rebecca, Brent and he were settled; Jon and Christine were going out on the boat next week for a couple of weeks. They spoke of inconsequential things as well as issues of import. After the call had ended Seeley saw he was the only one left in the office. He turned to the computer and initiated the shutdown routine. He stood up, after sliding his sleeves back down, removed his jacket from the back of his chair and began putting it on. All told, Seeley thought, today had been a pretty good day at work.