Chapter 37: Cruising Along
Happy Halloween!
Bones is not mine.
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"I was told to look out for a Trooper Pinnix. ", Booth mentioned as the small jet touched down.
The hangers, terminal and landscaping came into focus as the aircraft slowed to a crawl. The eager FBI Agent was already out of his seat, despite the flight attendants reprimands. Undeterred, Booth egged Brennen and Hodgins to follow his lead. When the door finally opened, he hurried down the steps, eyes sweeping the vicinity for the officer charged with escorting them to Ravenna. Behind him, Hodgins was apologizing for the special agents actions.
"Special Agent Booth! ", A deep voice cut through the blare of jet engines engaging in the background. Striding towards the trio, was Trooper Adrian Pinnix. Six foot five, muscular build, broad shoulders, thick neck supporting a square jaw and piercing blue eyes, all neatly wrapped in a perfectly maintained uniform. Extending his long arm, he greeted the fellow lawman.
"Welcome to Kentucky Agent Booth... ... Dr. Hodgins. Come with me...I'll have y'all to Ravenna in a half hour."
After shaking hands, they followed the trooper through the gates to his cruiser, loaded their gear and themselves and were soon speeding, lights flashing, down the highway. Twenty-nine minutes later Booth was stepping through the front door of Parsons Truck-stop.
"The cashier wasn't very helpful. Apparently they were struggling through the last hours of a double shift. He kinda, sorta...maybe recalls a guy with a black eye buying beer, band aids and cigars. Paid cash. How about you?" ,Booth grumbled approaching the others standing beside the troopers ride.
Trooper Pinnix shook his head, "Sorry Agent Booth, I spoke to some of the regulars that hang out here. None of them noticed your guy or the R.V."
"In the security video Andrews steps into view just past that sign.", Brennen pointed beyond the large "Buy one hot dog, get one!" sign across the lanes of asphalt. Everyone zeroed in on the dated motel and busy diner across the way.
"Y'all go ahead, talk to motel clerk, I'll see if any one at Debbies Diner knows anything.", Trooper Pinnix offered helpfully departing the cruiser now parked in front of the motels office.
Booth nodded absentmindedly, eyes targeting the office door ," Bones with me. Hodgins hold back until I know if we need you." He didn't wait for a reply.
In just a few bounding steps Agent Booth was through the door setting off the chime. Alerted, the clerk, a sloven lump of a man, straightened himself up, crushed out his stogie then reached for an aerosol can. A couple of quick hisses filled the atmosphere with a sickening floral bouquet. Joining her husbands side, Brennen broke into a sudden coughing fit as smoke and Glade fumes hit her lungs. A frigid blast from overhead vents shoved the stench of burnt coffee, cigar and fake flowers straight into Booths nostrils as well.
"Gah...Seriously?", Booth choked, waving the folder of pictures like a fan trying to clear the air.
The guy behind the counter brushed crumbs off the over-sized, grey, zip-front hoodie covering his stained, yellow polo. Despite the uncomfortably chilly room the slightest sheen of sweat glistened on the brow of his flushed porcine features. Behind thick lenses, crimson streaked eyes darted between the pair. His lips curled into a forced, overly civil smile.
"Sorry 'bout that. Welcome to Restful Rooms Motor-lodge. Names Rodger. Now, what can I do for you two? "
"I'm Special Agent Booth, this is my partner Dr. Temperance Brennen...", Turning toward his wife Booth noted with concern her bare arms wrapping around themselves. Without missing a beat, he slipped out of his jacket and hung it over her shoulders. " We need..."
"...a room for the night! ", Rodger interrupted smirking. " I hear ya..."Agent Booth"... hahaha."
His pudgy digits quoted empty space as he looked at something on the desk.
"Don't worry "Doc" its just the office AC that's busted. The ones in the guest rooms work... mostly. Now what was that name again?" , Rodger lifted his eyes, to find Agent Booths FBI credentials inches from his face.
"As I was about to say... Rodger. We need information. Have if you seen this fugitive? He was spotted in the area five maybe six days ago. This man..." , Booth slid the pictures across the counter. " ...was recognized on surveillance footage heading into the truck-stop from this direction. What can you tell me? "
Rodgers complexion became a deeper tint of pink as he blustered. "Wow! That's...that's a real badge...huh?! Alright then. Sorry...its just um... we get all kinds here.. yeah. Well, let me see." He leaned in examining the photo. Slowly thumbing to the next, of the motor-coach, then finally to the missing psychologist.
"What was it you said he did?", He asked still studying.
"I didn't." , Booth answered getting annoyed by how long this guy was taking. " If you must know, he is the prime suspect in at least two deaths, wanted for abduction, arson, fraud, theft and as well as an escaped fugitive. So any informa..."
"So there's a reward then? " Rodger blurted thoughtfully.
"That's your reaction? A reward? People are dead. A good person is missing and you want to know if there is a reward? Where's your sense of civic duty? Human decency? ", Brennen demanded stepping closer.
"Hey, I'm just asking." ,Rodger retorted. "As it happens, I have seen this guy here." Rodgers index finger pressed Jasons battered face.
"And.." , Booth prodded.
"And he came in, registered under the name Smith... John Smith, paid cash... didn't bother to check out just left the key in the room and that was that.", Rodger rattled off the details in succinct fashion.
"What about the RV? Do you know where he parked? The other man, you never saw him?" , Booths questions were met with a dismissive head shake.
"Like I said, he walked in, got a room, paid. That was the last I saw of him. He didn't mention any RV or any one else. Not one for chattin'."
Booth nodded to Bones who exited to get Hodgins. , "I'll need access to the room he stay...",
"Sure thing Agent Booth. ", Rodger turned reaching behind him. "Anything I can do to help."
Booth continued his interrogation. "What was Mr. Smiths demeanor? Its obvious from the photo he wasn't in the best of shape. You didn't wonder about it? "
Rodger pushed the numbered key-chain across the counter-top, smiling broadly. " I try not to pry into other folks business, Agent. I just take the money and hand over the keys. Room 106. Not sure what you hope to find, Agnes cleaned the place the day he left."
Booth grabbed the keys and looked around. If the office with its dusty Ficus and grimy windows were any indication of Agnes' cleaning Hodgins was sure to find something.
Trooper Pinnix was waiting at the rear of the cruiser with Brennen and Hodgins. Booth held up the key chain, motioning for them to follow him. Pinnix long stride easily caught up with the agent.
"I've got some good news Agent Booth. Betsy Reavis, one of the waitresses, recalled taking Andrews order for two burgers with works and fries. According to her, he made his order left, then picked it up on his way back from the truck-stop. She saw him head toward the motel. The next day she said he accosted a old farmer by the name of Hanely just outside the door. Didn't know what they discussed. I've got a unit heading out to speak with him now. Lives a couple of hours east. No recall of the RV or your fellow agent though.", Pinnix reported.
"Good work, maybe this Hanely will know something. Here it is room 106.", Booth shoved the key in the brass knob, gave it a twist and opened the door. Brennen and Hodgins filed past him. Hodgins had gone so far as to don his blue jumpsuit, gloves and mask. Brennen was satisfied with a pair of gloves and her black light. The room was what they expected. Bed made. Trash can empty. To the average persons naked eye it was a clean place to rest ones head. Of course, the forensic duos eyes were far from average or naked. Indeed Hodgins eyes were covered by his forensic goggles.
Booth and Pinnix looked on as Brennen walked through the scene wielding the forensic light like a wand revealing a plethora of glowing spatters, drips and pools. No surface was left unmarked.
"A complete crime scene investigation will be required to gather and sort through all this."
"Never mind that Bones, just tell me if there is any indication that Sweets was here."
"Right."
Brennen and Hodgins continued their search collecting various samples to be analyzed later. Booth stood near the small table, wondering what would make Andrews abandon the comfort and safety of his made to order hide-out on wheels? ...Where the Hell is Sweets?... Glancing up, the agent noticed a faint discolored patch on the far wall. Closer inspection led to the discovery of a nick in the wallpaper. A crunch beneath his shoe caught his attention.
"Hey Hodgins, take a look."
"It's brown glass. My guess from a beer bottle. Hmm.", Hodgins peered at the cut in the wall, then used a pick to remove a sliver of glass embedded within.
"Someone must have pitched a bottle into the wall. Could be Andrews right? You said he purchased some. Why though? Oh man, you don't suppose he was trying to hit Sweets? "
Booth didn't have a chance to answer when Brennen spoke up.
"I discovered blood around the sink and a pull tab from a band-aid that could have a print. The pillow on that bed also had traces of blood. The others also have blood but none indicative of the wounds sustained by Andrews. I also found a few hairs that are similar to Andrews.", She paused to take a breath sighing a bit. " I have found nothing to suggest that Sweets was here."
"Is it possible Sweets overpowered him, kicked him out, then took off in the RV? ", Hodgins offered hopefully.
"If that was the case, Sweets would have made contact with someone by now.", Booth sat down on the foot of the bed Andrews had slept in. Surveying the space. Putting himself in Andrews position.
"Excuse me, I think I see something beneath the nightstand." The trooper was pointing at the floor near the bed. Hodgins extracted a couple of white capsules.
"Over the counter pain meds. Maximum strength too." , The entomologist popped them into a evidence baggie. "Good eye Officer Pinnix."
Booth remained silent. ...I walk into a motel in nowhere USA, why?...Why leave my ride? Why risk being seen? I was in a fight, took a beating but came out on top... God that's not good for Sweets...but if I won the fight why run? ...I get my room. I'm tired, in pain, hungry. Go to the diner, order, go to store buy beer, bandages and smokes...pick up food...get cleaned up, eat, drink, smoke. I bust a bottle on the wall..Am I drunk? Angry? Both? Then I go to sleep. Wake up, then what? Drop the keys on the nightstand then leave... Where? How?...
"Trooper Pinnix, I need you to check for reports of stolen vehicles in the nearby area."
"Yes sir." , Pinnex left the room. Hodgins followed soon after carrying the gear to the car.
Brennen who had been lost in labeling evidence noticed the stillness and glanced at her husband perched on the bed.
"Booth, are you okay?", Bones moved by his side.
"Hmmm? Yeah.. I'm just trying to understand what Andrews was thinking." ,Booth muttered dropping his head, rubbing his temples. Mind, body and soul were screaming for relief from the tension and frustration that had been non-stop for weeks now.
Through the crisp white material, he felt the building warmth of her palm pressing, sliding and circling across his shoulders and down his spine. The knots loosened, allowing for the deepest breath he'd had in a while. The weight... and his eyes lifted. Meeting her steady gaze, he noted the worry, the concern...but radiating stronger still was confidence. In him...them. Whatever came his partner had his back. A soft, familiar grin warmed his features as he leaned in dangerously close to her.
"Thanks Babe." , He quietly whispered.
Bones just smiled, gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze then stood. Time to get back to work.
"I believe we are finished here." , Gathering her samples, she offered Booth her hand.
Taking it, he pulled himself up then pulled her in for a passionate kiss.
"Now, we're finished." , Booth announced releasing the embrace.
"Booth!", Bones feigned disapproval but the gleam in her sparkling eyes gave away her heart.
Booth locked the door and they left the room behind. Brennen headed to the troopers car, while Booth continued to the office. Entering he was once more assaulted by a rush of smelly, frigid air. He shuddered. Rodger peeked over the edge of the Auto Trader, then put the paper down.
"Did you find anything Agent Booth?"
"Nothing we didn't already know.", admitted a disappointed Booth holding the room key out.
As the the clerks arm swung forward to take it, the hoodies sleeve slid back. A glint of gold on his wrist captured Booths attention. Moving swiftly he grabbed the mans hand, shoved the sleeve further back uncovering the golden timepiece. Sweets watch.
"Oww! Hey lemme go!" , Rodger screeched attempting to pull away , but Booth held firm.
"Where did you get this watch?!", Booth increased the pressure of his grip jerking the man further into the counter.
"My..Dad. It was... my Dads!", Rodger huffed, red-faced and panting hard.
"Really? Your Dads? ", Booth growled in disbelief then gave another sharp tug. Rodger whimpered as the counter dug into his gut.
"Booth! What's going on? Wait...", Hodgins bolted to Booths side and released the band. Inspecting the item he confirmed. "This is definitely Sweets watch!"
Booth continued his hold on Rodger. "I know you're lying... now tell me how you got the watch."
"Alright! Alright...just lemme go!", Booth released him with shove. The clerk held the stretched limb close while rubbing his gut. Glaring at Booth he sat on the stool, catching his breath.
"I took it...*huff*huff*...in trade for...*huff*huff*...for my car. That and ...*huff*... four hundred bucks."
"You know lying to a Federal agent is a felony, $250,000 in fines and up to five years in prison."
Rodger shot the agent a fearful grimace. "I do now. Thanks."
"Huff* Huff*...I guess panicked. When ya told me everything this Smith guy had done...I got scared. He knows my name, where I live. Hell he even knows I got a brother in Irvine and where find him. I figured the less I was involved the better...just in case."
"Yeah, well the cats out of the bag now so I'm going to ask the questions and you're going to give me the truth. Starting with the last time you saw Andrews."
"Right..well that was just after he spoke to old man Hanely. Ya see, Hanely gave him a lift into town. I assume he was getting directions from him. He gave me some bullshit story about his ol' lady giving him the black and blue make over then kicking him to the curb... literally. He came in like the walking dead, I figured he was was high or something. None of my business. Paid cash for the week. Next day he come in here playing twenty questions. I figured whatever he was tripping on screwed with his memory. Guy didn't know where he was, how he got here. Then he got all freaked out over getting back."
"Back? Back where?", Booth wondered excitedly.
"I don't know. Home I guess? Said he had to get back to his kid..huh..guess that was bs too! So anyways ,being the good guy I am ,I sold him my wheels. He talked to Hanely and that was the last I saw of him. That's the honest to God truth." ,Rodger held one hand over the stained polo and the other raised dramatically in the air.
"That's good. You don't have to do that. What about the car? "
"Eighty-seven Toyota Corolla. Blue... well mostly. The drivers side corner panel is black. Had a run in with a fire hydrant. There's a couple of patches of primer grey. Some rust. A few dents. Hey, does this mean I can get her back? He was a fugitive so that would void the sell ,right? I kinda miss the old girl."
"Are you kidding? Its evidence moron. You should count yourself lucky Agent Booth's not hauling you in for aiding and abetting a fugitive.", Hodgins scowled in disgust.
"Booth, what is taking so long?", Brennen asked through the open door.
"Rodger here had an amazing trip down memory lane. ", Booth started for the door. "Rodger, a forensic team will be here soon to process that room. Oh and Rodger don't think of going on any trips for a while, I may have more questions for you."
"Yes sir. Hope you cat..." , Rodgers voice faded as the trio stepped outside.
"Can you believe that guy? Hey Booth, you could still arrest him for lying. It'd serve him right!" , Hodgins fumed as he opened the car door.
"But hey at least we recovered this!" ,He held the watch up staring at it thoughtfully. "For Sweets...when he comes home.." Voice trailing off, Hodgins forced a smile then disappeared into the backseat. Brennen joined him. Booth took shotgun.
Trooper Pinnix sat behind the steering wheel engrossed in conversation with a voice on the radio. As Booth entered the car the trooper started the vehicle. Booth barely had time to pull the door shut as Pinnix shiny black shoe pressed the gas pedal.
"Buckle up folks. Sheriffs Deputy caught up with Mr. Hanely. He was able to give the location Andrews was heading." The trooper flipped on his emergency lights and peeled out of the parking lot.
Weaving around the traffic, Booth realized they were heading east. ...Heading back the way he came. Jason wasn't lying about getting back to his kid...Lord, let them still be there... The town disappeared. They were travelling deep into the country. Another road. Nothing but trees, on either side. Then up ahead, Booth spied the flashing red and blue lights of a Sheriffs car on the opposite side of the divided highway. Trooper Pinnix eased the car into an ancient gravel driveway then stopped. Booths window slid down, the Deputy leaned down, making eye contact with fellow law enforcement.
"Agent Booth, I'm Deputy Bryant. This is the place. Your suspects car is still here."
"What about the RV? ", Booth asked though he knew the answer.
The Deputy shook his head." That's a negative. However, the way the vegetation looks something pretty big rolled in back there. I haven't touched anything the scene is exactly as it was found."
"Thanks.", Booth motioned for Pinnix to move on. Creeping down the path, past the decaying house, they stopped a few yards behind Rodgers Corolla. Standing beside the cruiser, Booth surveyed the overgrown backyard. First thing he noticed was the Corolla door was standing open. ...Andrews was in such a rush he didn't even bother to shut the door... Crushed weeds and snapped branches created a sort of outline of the RV. The agent marked its position behind the house. ...invisible from the road...intentionally hidden...Why leave such a great hiding spot?…Why didn't he remember?… Booths musings were interrupted by Hodgins.
"Hey Booth! I may have found something interesting.", Crouching within the "footprint" of the motor-home, the red haired scientist held up a gloved hand in what looked like the Boy Scout salute. In the dim, late afternoon light filtering through the surrounding trees, Booth could just discern a dark substance smeared across the blue latex.
"If I'm not mistaken, and I seldom am, this appears to be transmission fluid.", Hodgins removed the glove and deposited it into a baggy.
"Perhaps that's why Andrews abandoned the RV? Ran into engine problems, panicked. Made a break for it. Later he figured something out came back. Fixed it and hit the road.", Trooper Pinnix proposed.
"That is not very likely." , Brennen declared flatly.
"Oh? How come?", Pinnix asked.
"Given the direction of the crushed grass, the vehicle pulled in this way, obviously clearing the stump. Andrews returned, parking the Rodgers car there, thus requiring an adjustment in the angle at which he backed out. The slight difference in the terrains elevation affected a lower vehicle stance. The RV could no longer clear the stump. Unaware, Andrews scrubbed across the obstacle causing the damage and leaving transmission fluid on that side of the stump. You can see how the stump is slightly dislodged in an upward angle, as well as the parallel tracks where he made the correction." , Brennens hand elegantly painted the empty space, pointing out each detail in the landscape.
"Sounds reasonable.",The officer stared at the ground.
"Of course.", Brennen agreed plodding past him to inspect the cars interior.
"How bad do you think the damage is?" , Booth asked Hodgins.
Hodgins thought for a moment. "Its hard to say. This isn't a pool of fluid, just a smear. It could be a while before it becomes detrimental. As long as the leak doesn't get worse and he keeps the fluid level full he could be okay."
"Oh.", That dashed any hopes Booth had of finding them broke down roadside. Scanning the scene he concluded no one had cut a path to the rundown buildings or into the encroaching woods. Along with the R.V. and Corolla tracks a narrow beeline of tramped weeds led straight from the motor-home to the driveway, out to the main road. There were no visible signs of a struggle. No blood. ...Whatever happened to Andrews happened inside...and no body was dumped here...
After gleaning as much information as they could the trio ended the day just as it began...cruising down Kentucky asphalt.
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Well thank goodness that's over right?
It's been awhile since I've worked on this and damned if it doesn't show.
Sorry about the B&B sappiness.
As always thank you for reading and reviewing!