(AN: thanks to reviewers Rankor01, nertooold54, Jazmine Cullen, SouthunLady, and chymom. I know the whole scene between Hannah and Booth is kinda stupid, but she's getting in my way, so she needs to go and soon. REVIEWS will get the final chapter later today!)
I don't own Bones.
The Deceiver in the Yard: Part 6
Patience entered the Jeffersonian, managing to get onto the platform without setting off alarms.
"So, you decided to go back to examining dead people?" she asked.
Brennan glanced up. "Patience, how was school?"
"Fine. Is this a murder or ancient remains?"
"I believe murder. Angela would a razor match the marks?"
Angela hit some of the buttons on the computer. "Not enough to match, but very similar. The razor would be the thinnest knife we have, Bren. I don't know what caused these marks."
Patience glanced at the knife. "What about those claw things that go under your fingernails?"
Both of the women turned to her.
"They're hard to get, but if you have certain connections it's possible. They're like razors. They stick out just slightly from fake nails. You don't see them until they draw blood."
Brennan picked up the ulna. "That might be the weapon."
"They're thin, almost invisible, but definitely sharp. They hurt like hell."
"How do you know?"
"Foster care. Streets. Mark. You come across these things."
"The murderer is most likely a woman then," Angela said. "An extremely thin razor would fit the width of the marks on the bones."
"I'll call Booth," Brennan pulled out her cell phone. After a minute she glanced at the phone and ended the call. "He didn't answer."
"He's probably still questioning the victim's family," Cam said. "What do you have?"
"The murder weapon is a thin razor that was placed under the murderers fingernails," Brennan reported. "Patience, is there a way to know who has these razors?"
"It's black market. No written documents."
"So there's no way to know who would have these?" Cam asked.
Patience shook her head. "Nope. Just checking for them."
"Wait, it would have to under fake nails, right?"
"Yeah, usually painted thick, solid colors."
"Mrs. White had fake fingernails, painted dark red."
"What motive would she have to kill Anne Walters?" Brennan replied.
Sully walked in the lab. "We just got an anonymous tip," he said. "It seems Robert White was unfaithful to his wife."
"Mrs. White believed he was sleeping with Anne Walters," Cam continued. "That sounds like a motive to me."
"I'll get the arrest warrant."
Booth finally ended his explanation and looked up at Hannah, now pacing the room.
"I knew it," she finally muttered. "I can't believe I never saw it. You're in love with her."
"No!" Booth jumped to his feet, pulling Hannah against him. "No, I love you. You, Hannah, I love you."
Hannah pushed away. "But you're in love with Temperance. I can't compete with that. I won't. I won't be the other woman, Seeley."
"You're not-"
"Will you just listen to me?" She waited for him to silently nod before she continued. "You might love me, Seeley. But not in the way you love her-"
"She's my best friend, of course I'm going to-"
"No, Seeley. You don't love her like a best friend. You might be able to fool yourself but you sure can't fool anyone else. Everyone knows. They know you're in love with her, that the two of you have been in love with each other since the beginning. There was never anyone else. Since the beginning you've been with her. You told her I wasn't the consolation prize, but that's exactly what I am, Seeley. I'm the second choice. You couldn't be with her, so you're settling with me."
"That's not true."
"Isn't it? You two ran from each other. This thing with me, in the end is just a fling. You won't admit, but deep down you know. Part of you knows that this isn't going to last."
"Yes it can, Hannah. Bones and I aren't-"
"I respect Temperance. Enough that I won't stand between you two."
"Hannah, don't-"
"I was offered a job in Chicago. I'm going to take it. I think it would be best for everyone if maybe I wasn't here."
"So you're just gonna take off?"
"I'm not taking off. I applied for the job several weeks ago, that's why I wanted to talk then. I went for the interview last week-"
"That's where you were? A job interview? You couldn't have told me that?"
"I wasn't even sure I would get the job. A lot of top journalists applied for the job. I called and accepted the position after talking to Sully. I'm glad I did. I've wondered what was really between you and Temperance. Now I know."
"Hannah, there is nothing between me and Bones."
"You took a bullet for her!"
"You don't think I would for you?"
"I know you would, that's just the way you are…but if you had to choose between me and Temperance, there isn't anything in me doubting you would save her first. Wouldn't you?"
"That's not fair."
"You would choose her. And not because she's your best friend, or your partner. That's not why you protect her. You don't threaten to kill people at gunpoint when they put a hit out on your friend. You don't put your job on the line, time after time, for someone who is just a friend. You love her. You've always loved her. You always will. You said it yourself, she's the standard. No one can measure up to her. I don't know why you didn't break up with me when she told you how she felt."
"That wouldn't have been right. It wouldn't have been fair to you."
"And keeping me in the dark about your relationship with her was? Why weren't you honest with me?"
"I said Bones and I were close! That's all that there is!"
"You said you were partners! And friends! You never mentioned wanting more than that! You never mentioned wanting to have sex, or a kid, or a life with her! I can take the hint. You need to take your hint. Before it's too late. Seeley, you told me that Temperance closes herself off. Do you want her to do that? Because that is exactly what she will do if you hurt her. I'm willing to bet the only thing keeping her in the country and sane right now is Patience."
Booth remained silent.
Hannah sighed. "I have a flight leaving tomorrow morning. Let me know what happens between you and Temperance. I'll call you in a few weeks, see how life's going."
"Hannah, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. What you and Temperance have, I don't think anyone is going to be able to stop. One of the two of you just need to start it…before you miss another moment." She kissed his cheek. "I'll tell Temperance I'm leaving. I'm sorry things didn't work out."
"They could work out if you would let it."
"Seeley, how can I be with you, when you've offered everything you could give me to her? You're good for her. You're meant for her. Even I can see that. I wish I would've seen it before things became so complicated. Goodbye, Seeley."
Sully escorted Mrs. White into the police car, glancing at Brennan and Cam who stood by his FBI issued vehicle. Brennan pulled out and answered her phone.
"Brennan." She took a few steps away from the scene.
"Temperance, it's Hannah, um…I was wondering if you were up for some drinks?"
"Of course. When?"
"Tonight. I have a flight in the morning. I won't be back."
"You're leaving? Is Booth going with you?"
"No. I'll explain when you get here. Same place as last time."
"Of course, Hannah, I'll be there in an hour."
