A/N: Many thanks to "Terri1", "JenLovesBones" & "Angiebc" - All my Beta's have made me a better writer and I hope you enjoy our combined efforts.
Special thanks to all my patient readers for letting me finish this story on my own timetable, I've noticed I lost a few but I hope my consistent updates will make you feel more lenient towards my efforts. Those who have stuck with me, my grateful thanks.
Last chapters question - what date was written on those slips of paper from BitB? For the most part hopeful wishes are for the end of this season, several thought next.
Visit the Wong Foo's & the Coffee Cart Sections of Bonesology or follow me on Twitter TravelingSue2
Chapter 55 – Bones I'm thinking…
"About how to infiltrate Jack-Jack's hide out," she interrupted. She could only see Booth's face in shadows, the dashboard lights reflecting off the hard planes of his face. Searching, she only found focus and determination.
"Yeah, I think we'll stall for time. I'll tell him we've located you but you're in Denver," Booth started.
"Good idea. That should buy us five or six hours, but what then?"
"I'm thinking of luring him out. It'll be easier if we can split Junior and Senior," Booth replied. He glanced at Bones. She was holding up much better than he'd have thought possible. This wasn't just anxiety over a possible next victim. This was their daughter and her father, but all he saw was a tightening of her jaw and heard the firm determination in her voice.
"So if I create some sort of distraction, then with John's help we can subdue both of them but separately? Is that what you're thinking?" Brennan asked.
"Yes exactly. Plus with Riley and Costa as backup we'll have two sharpshooters covering us," Booth added.
"Good idea. So we need a distraction. I'm quite good at bird calls," Bones added with a touch of excitement. Probably the first time her eyes had lit up since the ordeal began.
Booth shook his head and chuckled. "Would you mind going in disguised?"
"As Patty?" Bones asked dubiously.
"No. Jack-Jack knows Patty, that's obvious. I was thinking someone more his type," Booth said.
"You mean blonde, voluptuous, and what you'd consider questionable morals?" Bones asked rationally.
"Yeah, that's the profile. I doubt he'd be able to resist you," Booth replied.
"I'm sure I can be convincing," Bones answered. She added with her best Clara Bow impersonation as she pursed her lips and blew him a kiss.
Booth chucked. "Okay, I didn't say I wanted you to seduce him. More like you've lost a hundred points off your IQ. But your body speaks for itself. Do you think you can do that?"
"Oh, I know! My father used to watch this silly show on Saturday afternoons called Hee-Haw. They'd have these two scantily clad cowgirl telling jokes." Brennan winked. "Do you mean something like that?"
"Yes, except no jokes and you need to disguise your voice," Booth said.
"Who should I sound like this time? My repertoire is getting exhausted," Her Katherine Hepburn and Patty voices were out.
"Hmmm, I think Roxie should make an appearance. Just play up the innocent part up a bit more. Roxie knew her affect on men. Your Daisy Duke will be a bit more innocent," Booth supplied.
"Who?" Bones asked. She could play Roxie easily enough but she was confused by the other name.
Booth smiled. "It seems we've named all of your voices. I couldn't resist using a name from the past."
Bones raised a brow and asked, "Should I be jealous?"
Booth laughed for the first time in what seemed like days. Today had been particularly torturous. He picked up her hand and kissed it lightly then murmured, "You have absolutely nothing to be jealous about. Daisy Duke is fictional and even if she weren't she's got nothing on you."
Booth then returned his focus on formulating a plan. They'd been on the road twelve hours and they needed to stop and rest for an hour. They'd need their wits about them if they expected to pull this off. Glancing at his watch he saw it was just after 10:00. Glancing at the road signs he decided they'd stop at the nearest mall and pick up what they needed and meet John in Schwenksville.
Scott hustled Max and Issie into the cabin…
"Get in there old man," Scott said roughly, pushing Max into the cabin. Max looked around quickly but he saw nothing in the darkness that gave him an idea of where they were. If he were to guess based on the amount of time that had passed, they were either in Virginia or Pennsylvania. He was lead into the cabin with gag still in his mouth and his wrist wire-tied in the back. He looked over and saw Issie struggling with a man just few years younger than himself. The guy still looked quite fit. But he could smell the decay that surrounded him. The man was dying and hadn't acknowledged it yet.
Watching Issie's struggle broke his heart. Her silent screams were muffled by the gag and her wildly kicking legs tore at his soul. If only he could talk to her he knew he'd be able to comfort her. Issie's struggles finally took a toll on the old man, one of her little feet finally caught him in the groin. Max seethed as he watched the old man slap her face hard. In the quiet of the cabin it sounded like a gun shot. Max watched as her eyes grew round with fear. The shock from the impact froze her limbs in place. He saw fat tears silently course down her cheeks.
Peterson then threw her roughly onto a bed pushed into the corner of the room. Max purposely walked toward her and sat as close as possible to give her the tiny bit of protection he could. Max's eyes sought out Issie's. She raised her eyes to his. They were still wide with fright but he saw a glimmer of hope contained within them. Max noticed fairly quickly her breathing was becoming more labored as her nose clogged from all the tears. Max's grunted loudly until he captured Ferguson's attention, using his head he eyed Issie wildly, doing his best to indicate she'd be choking soon if they didn't take the gag off.
"So I take it your worried about your granddaughter old man, that's good," Scott said calmly. "I like that. You're less likely to do something stupid." He paused knowing what he had to do next, but thought he'd have a little fun. His father wasn't the only one that liked sharp knives.
"What's taking him so long to call…."
They'd just left the mall. With Booth's help they'd picked out just the right outfit. They'd decided Bones was going to be a lost hiker. Along with the wardrobe Booth also picked up a boot knife knowing her outfit wouldn't allow for a pistol.
Just then his phone rang. Looking at the blocked caller ID he sighed and looked at Bones. She nodded as he answered the call.
"Booth."
"I take it, you've been waiting for my call," Scott sneered, then asked quickly, "Have you located Dr. Brennan?"
"Yes, she's flying in from Denver.." Booth added quickly, "into D.C. Where should I direct her?"
"Not so fast Booth. You'll know when I decide to tell you," Scott said quietly. "So you're still in the car. I'd recommend getting some rest. It's going to be a trying day tomorrow."
The phone switched to video. Booth and Bones saw Issie's face blotchy with tears, a large bright red hand print clearly visible over half her face. Bones covered her mouth in attempt to stifle the gasp that escaped. Scott, having heard it, mistakenly thought Booth had made the noise and said, "Yes Agent Booth. I've got your daughter and she's been bad. She's been punished. But I may have to enforce that in my own special way." The knife flashed before the video lens before it suddenly faded to black.
Their horror was interrupted by another call….
Shaking his head to dislodge the fear, Booth noted the caller ID and answered. "John? Where are you?"
"We just landed at Philly Int'l. We're on our way, probably an hour behind you at this point," John replied.
Booth saw a Motel 8 with a vacancy sign on and decided it was as good a place as any. He told the agent, "Bones and I are pulling into a Motel 8 on Shelley Road just outside of Schwenksville. Meet us there."
John asked anxiously, "Have you heard from Jack-Jack?" Booth could hear the faint sounds of road noise. He didn't want to elaborate much with John driving. But this was the man who had protected Issie when Booth couldn't. He deserved a straight answer. "Yeah, let's just say we both have cause to kill Jack-Jack," he finally said.
John gripped the wheel and asked, "Did they hurt her?"
Booth sighed as he rubbed a tired hand across his face. "She's scared out of her mind." He paused and said quietly, "He's not going to harm her. She's too important to his plans. Bones and I will be waiting, call when you're close. We're going to try to close our eyes for an hour."
Bones looked shocked. How could he say that? How could he possibly sleep right now? But he gave her a firm look. They needed rest. Adrenaline would kick in but wouldn't last nearly long enough without some real rest, even if it was only an hour.
"Okay Booth, we should get there about 1:30," John answered glancing at the clock. It was just after midnight.
"Booth, I couldn't possibly sleep…"
They'd requested the last room on the second floor hall and had parked Cam's Pilot directly in front of it. Opening the door Booth flipped on the light, withdrew his firearm, and did a quick survey of the room. Once done he nodded for Bones to enter. Only then did he comment to her statement. "I don't expect you to sleep, but an hour with your eyes closed I promise will do wonders. It calms the nerves and recharges the brain, believe me."
She saw the conviction in his eyes. With a sigh she slipped off her shoes and said, "Fine, I see you have experience in this area." Climbing fully dressed into the bed she flipped the covers open for Booth to join her. After locking the door and checking the windows he sat on the bed and removed his shoes. Carefully he placed his Glock on the bedside table. Instead of laying under the covers Booth chose to lay on top of them. The seconds it could take to kick off the covers could make the difference between life and death. He shut off the light and pulled Bones close, kissing the top of her head. "We'll get her back, Bones, I promise."
She murmured, her voice as soft as the night, "I know. You've never failed me; I don't expect you to start now."
"Booth?"
Bones spied Booth's silhouette against the wall. His Glock in clear sight caused her to suck in a breath and move to stand. Booth motioned for her to get down. At a complete disadvantage, no weapon, barely awake she crouched beside the bed reasoning if Booth needed help she'd have the element of surprise.
A rapid knock at the door caused Booth to pause beside the window where he spied John, Riley, and Costa. He sighed and flipped on the light causing both himself and Bones to blink like owls. Bones stood just as the three agents entered, each carrying gun cases and duffels. John smirked when he saw the Glock. "Did I scare you Booth?"
"Hell you can't be too cautious when two serial killers are in the neighborhood," Booth said as he tucked his Glock back in his waistband. Watching Riley and Costa place everything on the spare bed, Booth focused his attention on the seemly minor item that John was carrying, a box of Joe. He laughed. "John I knew I liked you. Thanks for the coffee." Once they'd each gotten cups of coffee, Booth filled them in on his plan. While Booth spoke Charlie texted John the address of the cabin. 101 Spring Hill Road.
Booth looked at Jack Riley, his trusted lead in hostage situations, and asked, "Jack, have I missed anything?"
Riley smirked. Booth liked his opinion but not necessarily if it disagreed with his own. "Let me recap, Costa and I will go in an hour before the diversion and set up. We'll each take an entrance and make sure we can take clean shots if we have to. John, Dr. Brennan-or should I say Daisy Duke-and yourself will follow and plan to approach the cabin just as dawn is breaking." He glanced at his watch and said, "That would make it 0622."
Riley continued, "While Daisy Duke is doing her best to distract, John will approach the back door and if possible cut any communications or power the cabin has. Booth you'll be covering Dr. Brennan at close quarters, in case the situation escalates. I like your plan, but I'd make two small changes to ensure the outcome." Booth tilted his head. "Okay shoot."
Riley proceeded to fill them in on his proposed changes. John and Booth considered and then agreed to the changes. Collectively they felt the plan would work. Brennan left to use the bathroom to prepare for her role as Daisy Duke. The men began to strip down to their skivvies and change into low-light camo gear.
"Grandpa I'm scared…"
Issie whispered into her grandfather's ear. Her arms hurt, and her face was swollen from the force of the blow she'd received earlier. Her eyes were gritty from tears. She missed her mama.
Earlier, Max had managed to have their hands untied for if only an hour. He pointed out sarcastically that if they didn't let an old man and a child use the facilities it would get decidedly stinky in the cabin. While helping her deal with the bathroom Max had whispered that everyone was looking for them and that they had to be brave because Mama, Pa, and Daddy would be here as soon as they could. Hugging her close he whispered, "Be good baby girl and I promise, your mama will be hugging you again very soon."
Max, who was sleeping as lightly as a cat with his tail under a rocker, quickly opened his eyes and saw it was still dark. Only Issie's anxious breathing could be heard. It bothered him that her breathing was so distressed and thought he'd mention it to Tempe when this was all over. He then decided it could simply be nerves. He whispered, "Baby girl, mama needs you to sleep. She needs you strong when she comes to get us. Okay?"
"Grandpa, mama won't come alone will she? I don't want these bad men to hurt her too," Issie's voice caught on the thought.
"Don't you worry, mama's a smart girl. She'll figure out something with your Daddy and Pa," Max said. Issie spoke of Mama the most, followed by Pa when recollecting something but when she talked about something in the future it was always Daddy. She was just sorting through the facts as she knew them.
"I'm scared," Issie whispered. Hearing a stirring from across the room he thought of a little game that might relax her and whispered urgently, "Issie, Grandpa is going to blow little breaths into your hair, and I want you to count them. When you're done, start again and I promise you'll be asleep in no time."
"Okay. I love you Grandpa," Issie whispered she settled as best she could into her grandpa's chest.
He smiled and whispered, "I love you too. Ready?"
He puffed a breath of air into her hair, he could see from the moonlight shining in through the window that this game had distracted her enough to relax. Now if only the same could be said for himself. He tried to suppress the image of how Ferguson's knife had cut a little too close for Max's comfort when he sliced through the wire ties. He knew the bastard enjoyed it. But something told him the old man was ten times worse, just slowed by age. No. Killing was new to the younger Jack-Jack though he was acquiring quite a taste for it.
Hearing Issie's even breathing he allowed himself to relax enough to take his position again as the cat with a room full of rockers.
A/N: R&R is very much appreciated. Thank you for reading.
