Dear readers,
thank you for all of the responses! It's so much fun and such validation to see your reviews!
Keep 'em coming! And now without further ado, the rest of a stressful car ride...
The car was filled with an oppressive silence for quite a while as Booth digested what he had learned so far. His Bones, the love of his life, was alive. Granted, she had lost her memory, but he would cross that particular bridge when he got there. She was still in danger. And he'd been kept from her when she was alone and vulnerable.
None of that was the information though that kept snatching his attention. No, it was the fact that Sweets had actually allowed himself to be bullied into revealing the identity of the person on the other side of the phone. Contrary to the way Sweets sometimes portrayed himself, he was made out of a lot of sterner stuff than that. Typically, Sweets gave him some leeway, allowing Booth to feel like the alpha male, but he was not someone to be bullied around. "There is one thing I don't understand though Sweets."
Sensing that Booth had taken the opportunity to go over the new information, he allowed the older man to guide him back into a conversation. "Okay, what don't you understand?" his voice was calm and low, trying to create a serene atmosphere the best he could.
Booth chanced a glance at Sweets and spoke up. "Earlier in the office, Max was about to brush me off, but you said he should tell me. Why?"
This was a step in the right direction that he truly hadn't expected them to be able to take yet. Then again, Booth was a trained interrogator and he was dealing with people that knew him. And they knew him well. And that was why he should have known Booth would pick up on that. He smoothed down his tie and cleared his throat. "I was a fierce advocate for you, along with Miss Julian, Booth. Neither of us wanted Max to protect her. Hacker thought you were too close to the case," he snorted, "and that it would take too long for you to return from Afghanistan. Max was eager to protect her and when he said that he had a cabin where she could find shelter and that he would work with us to find his former gang... all Miss Julian and I had left was Dr. Brennan herself."
Booth sighed. "That's all good and well, Sweets. And look, kid, I actually believe you, but then why is she still with Max?"
Sweets' grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Because she woke up without her memories, Booth. Hacker deemed it the 'perfect witness protection program' and agreed to Max' plan. Miss Julian and I weren't even allowed to see her before she was whisked away. Instead, we were forced to break the news of her 'death' to the others and well, you when you finally returned."
Booth didn't respond and after a few moments, Sweets spoke up. "I did not - and do not - believe that she is safest with Max. Both for her physical and emotional wellbeing, I think she should be with you."
His words were a bit surprising to Booth, considering Sweets hadn't always made their relationship easier. He had to grudgingly admit to himself that Sweets had always tried to keep their best interest at heart. And the few times the young psychologist had failed, he hadn't failed to learn his lessons. "Fine Sweets, I believe you, but where does that leave us?"
"Right now? I'd like to think of us as two colleagues with a common goal. Protect Dr. Brennan."
Booth couldn't agree more.
Max arrived an hour after his phone call with Sweets and Booth and stayed in the car for a few more minutes in the dark. Booth was coming over. There was nothing to be done about it now. And knowing the younger man, he wouldn't let this one go. No Sir. But how was he going to explain this to his daughter? He had told her that she lived a secluded life and only had a few long-distance friends. And she had believed him. Booth would never come across as a 'long-distance' friend or a mere acquaintance. And he wouldn't be swayed to play along. Max sighed deeply and rubbed his hands over his face, before he finally got out of the car, ready to face the music. He knew he had at least half an hour on them. So he had some time, but not enough to inform her of everything before he would come storming in, disturbing the peaceful atmosphere he had created for her. Sure, it hadn't been entirely based on the truth of her life, but it had been based on his need to keep her safe. He just hoped she'd understand that.
He walked over to the cabin and knocked on the door. He knocked seven times as they had discussed and when the door opened, he made sure she could look through the spyhole and identify him. When she was satisfied the door opened and he was met with his sleepy daughter. "I'm sorry to interrupt you at this hour, love, but there is something urgent I need to talk to you about."
She stepped aside and looked up at him. He looked worried and agitated. "What's going on, Dad? Did something happen? Are you okay?"
He stepped into the cabin and gestured to the couch,"Maybe it's best if you sit down." When she did as he suggested, he sat down next to her. "I'm sorry to barge in like this, but I spoke with your psychologist, Dr. Sweets. He is coming over tonight. He is bringing one of your friends."
She frowned. "Dr. Sweets knows my friends? Why didn't he tell me before? I thought all of my friends lived very far away? And that they had been informed of my amnesia."
Max cleared his throat and spoke up. "Yeah, about that, honey. There were a few closer friends. And for your safety - and theirs - they were informed that you had passed away." He was surprised when he saw the surge of anger in her eyes, although he shouldn't have been.
"You told my friends I was dead?! I've been locked up here - on my own - for months! And you are telling me that there are people out there, who not only would have kept me company but are being led to believe that I'm dead! Dad, that's cruel! Why the hell would you do something like that?"
"Honey, calm down. It was necessary. I don't have enough time to explain, just let it suffice to know that..."
"Don't," she snapped at him. "I've been so lonely and you knew all along, Dad! Why - why were they told that I'm dead?!"
He took a deep breath. "Because your life was in danger. It still is."
She paled a little and he looked up at him. "Dad, what are you talking about?"
He reached for her hand and spoke up. "It is related to the work you used to do. You don't have to worry about it. You are here because you are safe here. I'm your dad, I will keep you safe."
Confused and overwhelmed by the revelations of the evening, she stood.
"Honey, where are you going?"
"Back to bed, Dad. I'm tired." She turned around and looked at him. "I don't think I want to see anyone. My head hurts."
Max nodded, but felt relieved that she didn't want to see them. "No worries, honey. I'll make sure that you won't be disturbed."
Dear readers,
I hope you enjoyed the update!
Whak (with hugs and kisses)