Chapter 37 Hell
A/N: This chapter, unlike others, tails onto the previous one.
Temperance Brennan had locked her car, straightened her jacket, squared her shoulders, and strode resolutely toward the grilled gate, usually locked but open today for visitors. Passing through security, she followed the attendant through a rabbit warren of hallways, gates, doors, locks and buzzers to a room of phones cubicles. She took a seat, pasted on a plastic smile, and stared expectantly through the thick pane of dusty finger-printed glass. On the other side, a door opened and Booth stepped through. She studied his hunched shoulders, halting gait, and equally plastic expression. He couldn't conceal from her the beatings and abuse he's suffered since their last visit. His release from the hospital into the general population six weeks earlier had left him vulnerable to attacks by other inmates. She didn't need to ask for details; she read his body effortlessly. She knew every sinewy curve, muscled plane, and rock-hard surface of his physique intimately. They faced one another, silently telegraphing thoughts, concern, worry, and love.
"Booth, you need to eat more; you've lost weight. Your eyes look as though you are sleeping poorly," she stated softly.
"Bones, I can say exactly the same about you," he countered. "Neither of us will enjoy our meals much until we can eat at the diner together again. And sleeping without you is hell. How is Christine? "
"She's fine, except for missing her daddy. She sends her love, and this drawing of her and Gretsky, so you won't forget how they look, she said. I assured her that would never happen. Max is keeping her busy building a telescope with him, and having science sessions like those Parker attended at the Jeffersonian."
This brought a wistful smile to her husband's face. He put his hand up to the grimy glass, and she mirrored his gesture; the closest contact they were allowed.
"We've made some progress in our latest research; it's going slowly, but we will get there," she told him with a pointed look that spoke volumes.
"Time's up, Booth," the guard interjected.
"I'll see you in two weeks. I love you."
"Always, Bones, always."