CHAPTER THREE
PART ONE
"Woah, Tessa, are you sure?" Brennan asks. She knows it is but she needs confirmation.
"Positive." Booth replies.
"Don't jump to any conclusions Booth." Brennan tells him. As much as she wants to find whoever is after her, the idea that it is Tessa is actually laughable. "There could be plenty other people who bought the same flowers yesterday. Not to mention the day before." Brennan says. Booth is remaining uncharacteristically quiet and Brennan is a little concerned. She reaches out and touches his arm. "Booth." She says softly. He seems to snap out of his thoughts. Thoughts he knew he shouldn't be having. Tessa. Could it be Tessa? She has never liked Bones and technically Bones was the reason they broke up but that happened after the first attack and here were other reasons for the break-up. It couldn't be Tessa. Would she even have the connections to make a bomb? His mind is whirling.
"We need to check the rest of the tape." He states. Brennan sits back in her chair and finds herself watching Booth instead of the tapes. He can't possibly think that his girlfriend, well ex girlfriend, is responsible. It's ludicrous. Sure she isn't my biggest fan but she is not the type to do, well, everything that's been happening.
"Look." Booth points to the screen, his voice full of relief that there is another suspect other than his very recent ex girlfriend. "That guy is picking up the same flowers." Brennan sits forward and squints her eyes at the screen. A middle aged man wearing a leather jacket buys the flowers and pays with cash.
"We need to find this guy." Booth says. "I'll get a warrant for the tapes." He pulls out his cell. Brennan stares at the image of the man on the screen, trying to recognise him. He looks perfectly normal and from what she can make out, his face is not familiar.
"You see something?" Booth asks. Brennan shakes her head.
"I don't recognise him, do you?" she asks.
"No." Booth states.
"Hey, you guys find what you need?" the store owner asks from the doorway.
"Actually yes." Booth states. "This gentleman here bought some flowers yesterday. Do you remember him?" Booth asks. The store owner walks over.
"Yeah. He comes in once a month and buys those flowers. Says they're for his girlfriend." If they're for his girlfriend and he comes here every month what are the chances of him being our guy? Booth thinks. Across from him Brennan is thinking the same thing.
"You got a name?" Brennan asks.
"Samuel James." The store owner tells them.
"We're getting a warrant for the tapes." Booth tells the owner.
"You know what, take them." He says. "This seems real important to you and when you get the warrant, send me a copy." He smiles.
"Thanks." Booth smiles back and picks up a stack of tapes. "Come on Bones." He leads Brennan out of the office and into the store.
"What now?" she asks as they head for the door.
"We talk to Mr James." Booth says. "And Tessa." He adds.
"Booth." Brennan shakes her head.
"It's ridiculous I know." Booth states. "But she's on the tape and we have to explore all options. We can't rule anyone out."
PART TWO
Back at the FBI, Booth and Brennan have gone to the AV guys to check on the parking lot footage.
"We managed to clean up enough to get a partial registration." The section leader, Andy, tells Booth. "C1453. It's about as much as we can get." He says. "The car is black, looks like a Chevrolet."
"Personally, all I saw was the headlights." Brennan mutters under her breath. She feels Booth looking at her but she refuses to meet his gaze. He has a habit of making her say and do things she wouldn't ever do, just by looking into her eyes.
"We're running the plates through the system." Andy tells the two. "If you hold on we should get a result soon." He says.
"Great, you want some coffee?" Booth asks. "I could really use some coffee." Booth is starting to get nervous about going to see Tessa later.
"Hey, if you're buying." Andy leans back in his chair and folds his arms behind his head.
"The coffee is free." Booth states.
"It's the thought that counts." Andy grins.
"Come on Bones." Booth holds his arm out, gesturing for Bones to leave with him. She looks over at Andy then crosses her arms over her chest and walks out the door.
Down the hall, Booth presses the giant coffee machine for three coffees. He hands Brennan hers and she smiles to herself that he remembers how she takes her coffee.
"So, what are the chances of finding the owner of the car with just a partial plate?" Brennan asks. Booth cocks his head to the side.
"Honestly, not good. There are going to be a lot of potential matches and it will take time to go through them." He tells her.
"Right." Brennan nods her head and Booth doesn't fail to pick up on the disappointment in her voice. He knows all this must be tearing her apart.
"Hey." His free hand finds it's way to her shoulder. "We're going to get this guy." Booth tells her in a strong and confident voice. His hand squeezes her shoulder then he pulls back. "Better get Andy his coffee." Booth turns back to the machine and presses for another coffee to be poured. I wish I could do more to end this.
Booth's thoughts are interrupted when Andy calls out to him from down the hall. Booth looks around and sees Andy frantically waving at him.
"We got a few hits." He shouts. Booth grabs the second coffee the machine has just poured and hurries down the hall to the lab. Brennan is hot on his heels.
"How many matches?" Booth asks before he is even fully in the room.
"You got lucky, there are only four." Andy passes him the printout.
"That's unusual." Booth comments.
"I know, must be the combination." Andy shrugs. "Anyway, I hope this helps."
"It does. Thanks." Booth gulps down his coffee. Finally, a strong lead he thinks.
"Thanks for your help Andy." Brennan flashes the AV guy a smile as she follows Booth out of the lab.
"So, lab or hospital?" Booth asks Brennan.
"What?" she asks.
"Do you want me to take you to the lab or the hospital?" Booth repeats.
"Why do I only get two choices?" Brennan asks. "Where are you going and why don't I get to go with you?" she demands.
"I'm going to talk to Tessa." He states softly.
"Oh." Brennan realises she's put her foot in it again. He obviously doesn't want me there.
"It's just, well, we aren't exactly on the best of terms right now so it might be awkward." Booth tells her. "Besides, I'm sure you have a lot you could be doing."
"Yeah, I guess."
"So where to?" he repeats his original question.
"Uh, the lab." Brennan specifies.
PART THREE
Booth knocks on he doorframe of Tessa's office. She looks up and he can see the ice in her eyes.
"What do you want?" she demands. Booth walks in and closes the door behind him.
"I'm here on official business." He says softly. Tessa puts her pen down and leans back in her chair, her arms folded across her chest. Booth realises she isn't going to say anything else so he walks further into the room.
"It's uh, about Dr Brennan." He states. He notices the immediate hardening of Tessa's jaw at the name of the women she believes ruined their relationship.
"What about her?" Tessa asks.
"We've been following some leads, trying to identify the person who is trying to kill her. This person left flowers and a threatening note and we traced the flowers to a store downtown."
"And?" Tessa asks.
"And you were on the security footage purchasing the same flowers as those sent to Bones." Booth explains.
"You think it's me?" Tessa asks.
"No." Booth is only partially lying. He'd like to think it isn't but there isn't enough evidence to rule her out.
"Don't lie to me Seely." She stands up. "For your information, yes I was at the flower shop the other day. I was buying flowers for a friend. Her aunt died and I took the flowers round to her when visited." Tessa walks around her desk and sits on the edge, crossing her legs. Booth feels something strange in his stomach but he can't put his finger on it. Only three days ago he and Tessa had been fine, happy and in a long-term relationship. But now things are so different.
"Okay." Booth replies. "But I'll need the same of this friend." He states.
"You don't trust me?" Tessa stands up and walks seductively towards Booth.
"Tessa." He warns her.
"Come on Seely." She reaches him and her hand finds its way to his chest. "You know, we haven't really talked since we broke up."
"There are reasons for that." Booth backs away from her. "And this is not the time to talk about it."
"When is the time?" she asks. Booth meets her eyes. He and Tessa did break up rather suddenly. Maybe they ought to talk.
"Tonight." He says. "Meet me at Sids."
"Always Sids." Tessa mutters. "What time?" she asks.
"Eight." He states.
"Fine."
"Uh, the name of that friend?" Booth asks.
"Victoria Fields." She sighs heavily.
"I'll see you later." Booth opens the door and backs out. Tessa walks back round to her desk and sits down. Looking at her Booth remembers why he'd fallen for her in the first place. She's tall, blonde and smart. She seemed to have everything he wanted at the time. But it's not what I want now.
PART FOUR
Brennan stares at the computer screen and her eyes start to drift shut again. She snaps her head up and with her elbow propped up on the desk rests her head in her hand and tries to concentrate. But the last couple of days is catching up to her and her eyes drift closed again.
Booth knocks on the doorframe but gets no response from Brennan. She looks to be deep in concentration at her computer.
"Bones." Calling her name gets no response. "Hey, Bones." He says louder as he walks towards her. "Bones!" this third attempt gets her attention and Booth realises she had been sleeping, not concentrating. The confused look on her face gave it away.
"Whatever it is can't be that boring." He laughs as he sits down in the spare chair.
"Sorry." Brennan stretches and wipes her faced with her hands.
"I uh, stopped by the hospital and spoke to Zach." Booth says.
"You did?" Brennan is a little surprised.
"I said I would." Booth tells her. He did didn't he? Brennan thinks.
"How is he?" Brennan asks.
"He's better." Booth says. "We talked and I think he'll be fine." Booth says.
"What did you say to him?" Brennan asks curiously.
"That I can't tell you." Booth smiles. "Guy stuff."
"Come on."
"Nope." Booth shakes his head. "Anyway, are you ready to go or will you be working late?" he asks.
"I don't know." She replies.
"It's just I have to be somewhere in an hour." The tone of his voice tells Brennan that he needs to be somewhere important and the time of night would suggest he is meeting Tessa.
"You just go." Brennan says. "I've got some work to finish here."
"I'll come back and pick you up." Booth promises.
"Whenever." Brennan replies. She is feeling very awkward because she knows she part of the reason Booth and Tessa broke up and she's bound to be talked about tonight.
"Okay, I'll see you later then?" Booth stands up and heads for the door.
"I'm not going anywhere." Brennan gestures to the stacks of work around her. Despite the explosion and work going on in the lab, things still need to be done. Booth stops and turns to look at her as leaves. Her attention has been turned back to the computer and Booth smiles when he sees the glint in her eye. She's definitely got something.
PART FIVE
Booth walks into Sids a bit early and takes a seat the bar.
"On your own tonight?" Sid asks.
"Not for long."
"Bones lady meeting you?" he asks, smiling. He likes the squints Booth brings here.
"No, my girl…my ex girlfriend." Booth states.
"Hmm, post break up analysis?" Sid asks. Booth smiles and shakes his head. Sid always knows what's going on.
"I'll get you and the lady some food." Sid nods towards the door and Booth turns around to see Tessa walking in the door. She glides over to him and slides onto the seat beside Booth.
"So, you left the Doctor on her own?" she asks. "I thought it wasn't safe." She says sarcastically.
"She's at the lab, she's fine." Booth sighs.
"Look Seely." Tessa turns towards him. "I forgive you." She says.
"You forgive me?" Booth asks.
"You were distracted Seely. I know things over the last few months have been strange with Dr Bones coming on the scene. She is an attractive woman and you're a man, I could hardly expect anything else. But I forgive you."
"Are you serious Tessa?"
"What?" Tessa asks innocently.
"Bones has nothing to do with us." Booth states. "You don't understand what I do, why I do it and how important it all is to me." Booth tells her.
"You're right, I don't get why you have to go running off to the middle of nowhere with a beautiful woman, why you're always late for our dates because you're working." Tessa sighs. "I gotta go to the ladies." She stands up abruptly. Booth sips his drink and wonders just how long this little meeting is going to take. The last few minutes have assured him he does not want her back.
PART SIX
Brennan glances at the clock and sees it is now eight thirty. Everyone else has left and the other offices are darkened. Up until now Brennan hasn't been bothered by the quiet and the darkness outside. But now that she has made herself aware of it she feels an irrational fear rising. Her heartbeat quickens as she tries to concentrate on the screen. But the fear is rising quicker and she keeps glancing at the door, worrying that someone is out there. It's nothing Temperance. No one is out there so stop worrying.
Twenty minutes later Brennan hears something outside and she jumps. Her hands fumble for Booth's gun and when she grasps it she rises from her seat. Her office door is closed so she walks over and pulls it open. Stepping out into the hall Brennan glances around and starts to make her way down the hall. When she reaches the end she looks down the stairs then makes her way back along the hall. Once inside her office she closes the door and backs towards the desk. Maybe I imagined it all she wonders. But all the maybes are too much. Brennan feels a fear rising inside her. Someone is out to kill her and she's all alone with only a gun for protection. I don't feel safe.
PART SEVEN
Booth sighs heavily and puts his coffee cup down on the table.
"Tessa. I'm not going to sit here and talk about this anymore." He says firmly. "It's over. I just don't see how we could possibly make it work when you have no respect for me, my work or my friends."
"Seely." Tessa pleads.
"No." Booth stands up. "I'll make sure you get back anything left at my place." He saunters towards the door as Tessa stares after him. It's really over this time.
Booth reaches his SUV and when he gets in he finds his phone and calls Brennan. It's after nine now, she's probably ready to go home. He dials her number and waits for an answer.
"Hello?" he immediately hears something wrong in her voice.
"You okay Bones?" he asks.
"Fine." She replies.
"Uh, I'm done here." He says.
"Okay."
"Seriously Bones, what's wrong?" he asks.
"Nothing." She lies. She doesn't really want to admit that for the last hour she's been hiding in her office, terrified to step outside.
"Bones." Booth's voice conveys sternness. There is a long pause on the other end of the phone but Booth can hear Brennan breathing.
"I heard some noses earlier." She finally admits.
"Why didn't you call?" he demands.
"You were busy." She says.
"You should have called, what if…"
"Don't finish that sentence Booth." Brennan warns him. "Just come pick me up."
"Okay, hang on I'll only be ten minutes." He assures her.
"Hey, I'm not going anywhere." Brennan smiles on her end of the phone.
PART EIGHT
Booth screeches to a halt outside the lab entrance. He doesn't care that he isn't supposed to park here. It's nine thirty and no one but Brennan is in the lab anyway. He rushes inside with his gun drawn and makes his way up to her office. Almost all the lights are out so the light coming from her office illuminates the hall.
"Bones." He calls as he approaches.
Inside the office Brennan is sitting with the gun in her hand. She hears Booth outside calling her name so she gets up and walks to the door.
"Bones, it's me." He says. She unlocks the door and pulls it open. Booth sees the relief in her eyes, knowing she isn't alone anymore.
"You okay?" he asks. He rests a hand on her shoulder and she nods. Booth steps into her office and she turns to move with him.
"So, tell me about the noises." He says.
"I don't know Booth, they were just noises." Brennan sighs as she picks up her purse. "I'm sure I was just imagining it." She adds.
"Bones, right now we don't have the luxury of imagining things." Booth tells her. "You should have called." He says quietly.
"You were with Tessa, I didn't want to screw things up." Brennan admits.
"Things are already screwed up." Booth sighs.
"You aren't getting back together?" Brennan asks. She hopes her voice doesn't show that she is actually relieved it is really over.
"No. Are you ready to go?" he asks. Brennan realises he doesn't want to talk about it.
"Uh, yeah, sure." Brennan puts her gun in her bag and picks up her jacket.
"The car is right out front." He says. Brennan nods and walks out her office, careful to lock it after Booth steps out.
PART NINE
Fifteen minutes later they are driving back to Booth's in the car. He still hasn't said anything else about Tessa and while Brennan is curious she doesn't want to push him. They have never been a pair to share everything so why should they start now.
"Damn tailgating." Booth mutters.
"What?" Brennan looks over at him.
"Some guy is tailgating me." He says as he presses down the accelerator. Brennan twists in her seat and looks out the back window. The car keeps up the same speed as Booth and Brennan notices Booth shifting and his hands holding the wheel tightly.
"Booth?" she asks.
"Are you belted in?" he asks.
"Of course.
"Good, because you might need it." He glances nervously in the mirrors.
"Booth, you're scaring me." Brennan says.
"The car behind us. It's a black Chevrolet."
All of a sudden the car behind shunts into the SUV. Brennan is thrust forward. Booth speeds up and as Brennan watches the speedometer rise higher and higher she feels herself getting nervous. The car behind matches their speed and continues to smash into the back of the SUV. Each time, Brennan and Booth are thrust forward in their seats.
"Booth." Brennan says nervously.
"Hold on Bones." He says. As they hit an open section of road near Booth's house, Booth grabs the steering wheel tightly and in one tight motion he spins the wheel sending their car into a spin. Brennan is slammed into the door with the force of the spin. She clamps her eyes shut and braces her hands on the dashboard, praying for the car to come to a stop.
Brennan gets her wish a few seconds later. The car shudders to a stop in the middle of the road. Brennan realises she has been holding her breath and when she feels everything stop spinning she lets that breath out and takes a few deep ones to fill her mind and body with oxygen.
"You okay Bones?" Booth asks. It takes her a second to reply but she manages a yes. There is now no sign of the car that was behind them. Booth puts the car in gear again and takes off towards his house. He glances over at Brennan and notices her hands are shaking. She keeps wringing them together to disguise it but he can see.
PART TEN
A few minutes later Booth pulls the SUV into his drive. He has just got off the phone with someone at the FBI, reporting the incident. His boss told him to relax for the night and he would put an APB out to find the car. Booth isn't hopeful but at least they're doing something. Brennan gets out and closes the door, thankful that they made it here. Booth leads the way in and he heads straight to the fridge.
"Beer?" he calls out. He turns his head to see her nod and he pulls two cold bottles from the fridge. Brennan sits down on the couch and flinches a little when Booth brings the beers over and sits next to her.
"You're not okay, are you?" he asks. She takes a very long gulp from the bottle and shakes her head.
"This is just getting to be too much." She says, hanging her head.
"Bones." Booth turns to face her. "I don't blame you. This sucks." He says. "But I need you to hold it together for just a little while longer." He says. Brennan gulps down the last of the beer and stands up. Booth watches her walk over to the kitchen.
"You got anything stronger?" she asks. Booth contemplates saying no but he can't blame her for wanting something to calm her nerves.
"Top cupboard." He says. Brennan reaches up and opens the cupboard. She grabs the scotch bottle at the front and pulls it down.
"Drink?" she asks. Booth shakes his head. Brennan picks up a small glass and pours a drink. She knocks it back then pours another, repeating the process.
"You sure you don't want to join me?" she asks. Booth shakes his head.
"One of us should keep our wits about us." He says. Brennan hang her head and pours another drink. A part of her knows she shouldn't be drinking but a bigger part of her just wants to forget everything that's been happening. After an inner fight the part of her that wants to forget wins and Brennan knocks back the third scotch. She then grabs the bottle and two glasses and walks back over to the couch. She flops down next to booth.
"Join me for at least one." She says. Booth nods and Brennan pours two drinks. Booth picks his up and takes a sip. This could be a long night.
PART ELEVEN
Brennan is holding the scotch bottle by the neck and is wandering around the room. Booth is almost getting dizzy watching her.
"I mean, think how many people I've been responsible for putting in jail." She says. "I know I'd be pissed if I went to jail so all these guys could be in there plotting to kill me in revenge." She paces back and forth for a moment then sits down again.
"Hey Bones." Booth says. "How about we lay off the scotch for a while huh?" he reaches over and takes the bottle from her. In her now drunken state she doesn't really notice, or care.
"Poor Zach." She sighs "And Angela and Hodgins."
"They're all going to be fine." Booth reminds her.
"I know." Brennan sits up again. "But it's my fault they got hurt." She says. "If someone wants to kill me that's fine they can try. But they shouldn't try to hurt my friends." She stands up again and starts to walk to the kitchen. "If anyone ever tries to hurt my friends again I swear." She suddenly goes quiet and Booth snaps his head around. She's standing in front of an open fridge.
"Bones?" Booth stretches up to see what she is doing.
"You got any peppers?" she asks. Booth smiles and shakes his head. He then stands up and walks over to the kitchen. Closing the fridge door, Booth takes Brennan by the shoulders and walks her back to the couch. He pushes her down then walks back to the kitchen and pours a large glass of water. He takes it back to Brennan and sits on the coffee table in front of her.
"Here, drink this." He says.
"Why?" Brennan asks.
"It'll make you feel better."
"I feel fine." She replies.
"Really. After all this much scotch you feel fine?" he holds up the bottle with a quarter of the bottle drunk.
"Yes." She insists.
"So if I ask you to walk in a straight line you could?" he smiles.
"Sure." Brennan scrambles to her feet and proceeds to attempt to walk in a straight line. She manages it for a few steps the she trips over her foot and falls to the floor. Booth jump to his feet, concerned she is hurt but he stops when she rolls over and laughs.
"Hey Booth." She extends her arms out and lays them on the floor.
"Yeah Bones?" he asks.
"I think you're right." She laughs. He walks over as she sits up. Extending his hands down she grasps them and he pulls her to her feet.
"Come on, I think you need some sleep." He says.
Booth walks Brennan through to his bedroom. She kicks off her shoes and falls down onto the bed, rolling over onto her back.
"Booth." She says softly. He looks down at her and sees her eyes are closed.
"Yeah Bones?"
"Promise me you won't let anything happen to my team." She almost whispers.
"I promise." Booth drapes the comforter over her. He leans down and plants a kiss on her forehead. "Or you." He adds. He doesn't know whether Brennan has heard him or not because she keeps her eyes closed and makes no sound. He backs out of the door and puts the light off.
After locking the front door and putting the glasses and bottles away, Booth lies down on the couch. His mind is too busy to let him sleep. The bits of evidence they have keep popping into his head and none of it makes any sense. Tomorrow he hopes to interview Mr James, the flower shop guy and his colleagues should have identified the owner of the vehicle by now. Stop thinking he tells himself. You need to sleep. Booth settles back on the couch and closes his eyes. Whether it's exhaustion or the beer and scotch, Booth manages to fall asleep pretty quickly.
PART TWELVE
Brennan creeps through to the kitchen. She never sleeps well when she's been drinking so when her eyes flashed open at five thirty she knew she wouldn't be getting any more sleep. So throwing off the comforter, she rolled off the bed and headed for the kitchen for water. After pouring a cold glass and drinking it in one go, she glances over at the couch and sees Booth asleep but looking very uncomfortable. He's slouched on the couch with one arm behind his head and the other draped across his stomach. His right leg is on the couch but his left hanging off, his foot touching the floor. He's still wearing the clothes he had on yesterday and again he's doing that sexy rough look. Since when did I like that? Brennan wonders.
PART THIRTEEN
Booth snorts and rolls over but instead of finding more soft mattress he finds the floor. The thud scares Brennan who has just got out the shower. She wraps a towel around her body, it comes to just above her knees, and opens the bathroom door. Peering out she calls to Booth.
"Booth?" She hears nothing. "Booth?" she takes a step out of the bathroom then a few more towards the living room. Gripping the towel closed at her chest she tries not to panic. Suddenly Booth leaps up off the floor and Brennan gasps. Booth looks over, having not realised she was there. It takes him a second to say anything then when he does it comes out a jumbled mess.
"I, sorry, I was, and the couch…" he mutters as he tries to look everywhere but at her.
"You scared me." She states. His eyes find her as she glares playfully at him. "Pull yourself together Booth." She states. Now he cannot take his eyes off her. With her hair still wet and tangled around her shoulders she looks incredibly sexy without trying to.
"I uh…" he turns around in a circle, eventually picking up his phone. "I have to call work." He finally manages a complete sentence.
Brennan turns and goes back into the bathroom. She can hear mumbles as Booth talks to whomever he called at work. When she emerges fully dressed and her damp hair pulled back into a bun Booth is hanging about to get in.
"You know you really should think about putting an en suite bathroom in your bedroom." Brennan comments as she brushes past him in the hall. She lets her eyes travel up to meet his and although still sleepy they convey his usual brightness. Booth follows her with his head then snaps it back to go into the bathroom. I don't have time for this. He tells himself. There are people to be interviewed, evidence to analysed. He sighs as he jumps in the shower. Whatever is going on can wait a few days until this is sorted out.
Twenty minutes later, both are ready to leave.
"Mr James has agreed to come in voluntarily for questioning." Booth tells Brennan.
"Is that good?" she asks. Booth's silence answers her question. Neither of them right now believe that Mr James is their guy.
PART FOURTEEN
Booth walks around the table and stands behind Brennan with one foot placed on the chair beside her.
"So you take flowers to your girlfriend every month?" Booth asks.
"Yes." Mr James replies.
"Same bunch every time?" Brennan asks.
"Yes, what is this all about?" Mr James asks.
"We're investigating an attempted murder Mr James." Booth stands up and walks over to the man. "You were seen purchasing the same flowers sent to the woman who's life was threatened."
"You think I did it?" Mr James actually looks stunned. "I…I don't know what you're talking about. My girlfriend has been in a coma for the last eight months. Once a month I take her fresh flowers. I always buy them from the same shop because it's on the bus route to the hospital." He explains.
"And the name of your girlfriend?" Booth asks.
"Tina Corbett." He replies.
"We will have to check this out with the hospital." Booth warns him.
"Fine, as long as it clears me. I wouldn't hurt anyone."
Outside the interview room Booth and Brennan both agree.
"It isn't him." She says first.
"And I have no doubt his alibi will check out." Booth sighs.
"So what now?" Brennan asks. She looks through the glass at Mr James who is being told by another agent that he is free to go.
"We check on the owner of the car and I need to check out Tessa's story about the flowers." He says softly.
"Booth." Brennan sighs.
"I know what you're thinking." Booth looks her directly in the eyes. Her blue irises piercing his deep brown ones. "I don't want to think it either but she has motive."
"But Tessa?" Brennan asks.
"I know, it sounds so stupid." Booth shakes his head and takes a few steps away. "But we'll know soon enough. I need to go see her friend, the one she says she took the flowers to."
"You want company?" Brennan asks.
"Let's go." Booth walks down the hall and Brennan falls into step beside him. She glances up at his face and sees a hardened look normally reserved for criminals. Clearing Tessa means a lot to him, even if they aren't together.
PART FIFTEEN
Boot knocks on Victoria Fields front door and steps back beside Brennan on the lower step. A moment later a young woman opens the door.
"Can I help you?" she asks.
"Victoria Fields?" Booth asks. She nods. "I'm Agent Booth with the FBI, this is my partner." He states. "We need to ask you a couple of questions, can we come in?" he asks.
"What is this about?" Victoria asks.
"I'd rather discuss this inside." Booth says. Victoria nods and steps aside to the let Booth and Brennan inside. She leads them through to the den where she sits down on the couch. Brennan sits opposite her while Booth remains standing.
"Can you confirm that you received a bouquet of flowers from your friend Tessa the other day?" he asks.
"I can." Victoria replies. "My aunt passed away and gave them to me to cheer me up."
"Do you still have the flowers?" Brennan asks.
"No, I took them to my aunt's house. Some family are staying there and I thought it would brighten the place up."
"Did Tessa bring the flowers herself or were they delivered?" Booth asks.
"She brought them over herself. During lunch the other day." Victoria answers.
"Okay, this helps a lot." Booth nods. He jerks his head to tell Brennan they are leaving.
"Thanks." Brennan stares at Victoria as she gets up and follows Booth to the door. He is quiet all the way back to the car.
"I guess this clears Tessa." He states.
"I guess so." Brennan sighs.
Inside the house Victoria watches Booth and Brennan drive off. When they are safely out of sight she picks up the phone and dials a familiar number. She gets the machine.
"It's me." She says. "You were right, he was just here. He asked about the flowers so I told him what you wanted me to. I can't believe he'd go so far. You are so right to get away from him while you have the chance. And bringing his bit on the side with him, that was so wrong. Anyway, call me if you need anything else Tessa. Bye for now."
So you've guessed it. I'm making Tessa the evil one. I'm not sure how it happened, it didn't start out that way at all. It was going to be just a random guy pissed at Brennan for some reason. Then when I was typing it all stated to flow out. She has the motive and I never liked her anyway. I'm working on finishing the story in two more chapters. Hopefully I'll be able to post Chapter Four in a few days then Chapter Five soon after. I just need to work out how to end it. If there are any suggestions of what you'd like to see happen I'll gladly take them on board.
And thanks for the reviews. This is my first published fanfic and I'm overwhelmed that you all like it so much. The reviews keep me motivated so keep them coming.