This chapter is the bridge to the final chapter. Lots of fluff coming up because we all love it so much. Hope you enjoy

CHAPTER FOUR

PART ONE

Brennan sits alone in her room contemplating the letter she received earlier. She believes Daniel sent it. She also believes he ordered the van to follow and scare her. It worked she thinks. I am scared. A knock at her door interrupts her thoughts. She slides off the bed, walks over and cautiously opens the door.

"Hey." She greets Booth.

"Hey, so Angela called me." He says. Brennan looks confused that Angela would call Booth. "She said your cell was switched off or out of range or something."

"I guess." Brennan shrugs. "What did she say?"

"Tool marks, on the bones." Booth states. "Confirmed as very sharp knives."

"Did Angela actually say 'very sharp knives?" Brennan asks.

"Come on Bones, you think I'd remember exactly what she said?" he flashes her that cheeky grin. "She's faxing the report over to the Sheriff. I thought we could go pick it up then grab some dinner?" he offers. He notes that Brennan looks tired but if she sits in here alone she'll just think about Daniel and the letter and that won't be good for her. Besides, it might give us a chance to talk he thinks.

"I'm not really in the mood for going out Booth." She sighs.

"Sorry Bones, you don't have a choice here." He grabs her hand and pulls her out the door.

PART TWO

Both picks one of the two or three restaurants available for dinner. Brennan has picked up a little since leaving the Sunshine Lodge, mainly because of Angela's report. She has it laid out on the table and is examining the information.

"Can I take your order?" a young waitress asks. She looks like she's still in high school. Booth looks at Brennan and nods for her to order.

"Right, uh, I'll have the pasta." She states.

"Steak." Booth replies. He gives the girl details of exactly how he wants it cooked, not really expecting it to arrive in that way. Booth picks up his beer and takes a long drink. Brennan is nursing a glass of wine as she reads over the report.

"Bones, can we just for tonight, forget about the case." Booth says. "We can't do anything until the morning." He adds. Brennan looks up and meets his eyes. She notes that they look a little tired.

"Fine." She sighs as she gathers the pages of the report together and deposits them in a pile at the edge of the table. "What do you suggest we talk about instead?" she asks. I know the answer.

"I thought we could talk about what's going on." Booth suggests. "With us I mean." He adds as if there were some confusion about what he meant. Brennan's silence speaks volumes and Booth leans back in his chair.

"Bones, I don't know what to do about this."

"You don't have to do anything." She says quietly. Booth reaches across the table to cover her small hand with his. His thumb finds that sensitive spot between her thumb and forefinger and he begins to trace circles.

"We can't keep ignoring this." His voice is almost pleading. "I don't want to keep ignoring it." He stares into Brennan's eyes, trying to put his point across. She sighs and takes a very long drink from her wine glass. She isn't pulling her hand away Booth realises.

"I know you want answers Booth." She sighs. "I just can't give them to you right now because I don't know them myself." She explains. Booth nods and lifts his hand back.

"I see." He nods. He signals the waitress to bring them more drinks and the two settle back to a very quiet dinner.

Outside in the cool night air Booth sees it is still quite early.

"I thought I might hit the local bar." Booth says. "See what the locals think about the Starlights." He adds. "You want to join me?" he asks. He can see Brennan making the decision in her head and he hopes his line about questioning the locals is enough to convince her to stay out with him for longer. He isn't ready to say goodnight just yet.

"Sure." She passes Booth the report which he stores in the inside pocket of his jacket. Side by side they walk to the bar which is on the corner of the street. Brennan keeps glancing up at Booth but his gaze remains fixed ahead and his shoulders are tense. I've hurt him she realises. If I don't work this out I might actually lose him.

Booth and Brennan grab seats on the end of the bar and order some drinks. Some cheesy jukebox music is playing loudly and the drunken locals are throwing themselves around the dance floor like idiots. Booth finds it all very entertaining but Brennan looks like she's in hell.

Forty minutes later it's a different story. When Booth went to the bathroom Brennan found herself the centre of attention and she now sits with several drinks and a row of tequila shots to get through. As Booth makes his way back over to her he sees Brennan drink two tequila's in a row. She throws her head back and laughs at something a young guy, perhaps in his twenties, says to her.

"Hey Bones." He stands beside the young guy who is occupying his seat.

"Sorry, is this your seat man?" he asks. Booth nods and the young guy jumps up. He knows when to back off. Booth is both taller and bigger than him and it would do not good to get in a fight with him.

"If you want that dance." The young guy brushes his hand along Brennan's shoulders as he leaves. She laughs and knocks back another tequila.

"Getting in the party mood?" Booth asks as he orders a beer.

"Just getting to know the locals." She smiles. "Friendly." She adds, gesturing at the drinks. She pushes a tequila shot towards Booth and sets herself up with the lemon and salt. What has got into her? Booth wonders. Still she's approachable and not shutting me out. He watches her lick the inside of her wrist and shake some salt onto it. He follows her lead and after toasting to long life, they drink the tequila and suck on the lemon. With a broad smile on her face, Brennan actually looks happy. Why can't she be happy with me?

Four hours and a hell of a lot of drinks later Booth decides they should head back to the Sunshine Lodge. All he had managed to get out the locals was that the Starlights avoid all contact with them and only come to town when they have to. Booth already knew that. It seems like the Starlights really don't want anyone to know anything about them.

Booth looks around for Brennan. He lost her to the local Doctor and a dance some time ago. He spots her in the corner chatting with him so he picks up his jacket and makes his way over to her.

"Hey Bones, time to go." He takes her arm and turns her around to face him.

"Already?" she asks. "I'm still having fun." She beams him a smile.

"Maybe a little too much." He smiles back. "Come on." He clasps her hand in his and pulls her gently towards the door. With her free hand she waves to the doctor and follows Booth outside.

Back at the Sunshine Lodge, Booth helps a drunken Brennan up the stairs and to her room. One inside she shuts the door and turns to face Booth.

"I have an answer for you." She says. Booth can see her glassy eyes and knows whatever she is going to say comes from the drink and not from her.

"Maybe you should tell me in the morning." He suggests.

"I want to tell you now." She walks towards him and rests her hands on his chest. She looks up into his eyes and for a moment Booth is tempted to just kiss her and get it over with. She's drunk and you can't take advantage of that he reminds himself. So he simply slips his arms around her to keep her steady on her feet.

"Seely Booth, I want to." She hiccups. "To tell you that I think you are wonderful." She grins. "And special and I don't know what I'd do with you." She hiccups again. "I…she looks a little woozy. "I…" she doesn't get to finish her sentence. The tequila takes hold and she slumps against Booth, collapsing in his arms.

Booth can only laugh when Brennan passes out. But he reacts quickly and scoops her up into his arms, looking down at her peaceful face. He walks the few steps over to the bed and deposits her on the right side. Her head rolls to the side as it hits the pillow and she mumbles something incoherent before silence returns. Booth pulls off her boots and drapes the blanket over her. He then disappears to his room only to change out of his jeans and shirt. He doesn't want to leave her on her own in case she gets ill during the night and needs him.

Lying on the left side of the bed, Booth looks down at Brennan and a smile crosses his face. She is incredibly beautiful. His fingers run through her hair as he contemplates what she might have been about to say. I love you? I just want to be friends? It could have been anything. Weariness overcoming him, and Booth settles down to sleep, wondering what tomorrow will bring. Maybe answers.

PART THREE

When Brennan wakes to the sound of birds chirping she immediately knows she isn't alone. Lying on her side, she opens her eyes and sees his arm draped across her, pulling her into him. Her back is pressed into his chest and his head nuzzles near hers, his breathing tickling her neck. Whilst everything about this situation would normally make her panic, she feels a strange sense of peace being here like this. It feels right and it feels safe. So instead of pulling herself free from his arms, she settles back down and closes her eyes. Who says I can't enjoy this she tells herself. Sleep comes easily to Brennan and not long after waking she drifts back into dreams.

Booth turns over onto his back and brings with him a weight. Without opening his eyes he knows that it is Brennan. She twists in her sleep to accommodate the new position and she soon makes herself comfortable. Much like the other night, she lies with her head resting in the crook between his arm and his chest. Booth sighs contently and wonders if this will ever be for real. Knowing it is early and not ready to let go of this moment, Booth keeps his eyes closed and allows sweet dreams of Brennan to enter his mind.

A few hours later when the sun has risen and the world is awake, Brennan opens her eyes again, fully awake this time. Booth appears to still be asleep. Why wouldn't I want to wake like this every morning? She thinks. The warmth from his body is intoxicating and she doesn't want to move an inch.

"Morning." Booth greets her lazily. She lifts her head and meets his sleepy eyes.

"Morning." She replies. Booth is waiting for her to leap back like she did before but she doesn't move. She lies still and raises her hand to lie on his chest.

"I'm sorry about last night." She says.

"I think you enjoyed the local hospitality a bit too much." Booth smiles. "Do you feel okay?" he asks. Brennan does have that 'morning after' feeling in her stomach but other than that she's fine.

"I'm okay." She whispers. "Some things are a little blurry." She adds. Like what I said to you. I don't remember much. Instinctively, Booth leans over and kisses her forehead.

"We should catch up with the Sheriff. He's locating Tina Rossi's parents for us." Booth sighs. He can sense Brennan's reluctance to get up and he sees that as a good sign. She may not be ready to admit it but he knows now she does have some feelings for him. She wouldn't lie here like this if she didn't. Patience is a virtue he tells himself.

PART FOUR

Sheriff Underwood located Tina Rossi's parents living nearby. He has arranged for them to come to town and meet with Booth and Brennan. The Sheriff waits for them outside his office. When they appear he waves to them. Booth reluctantly waves back to acknowledge him. He finds the Sheriff a little tiresome.

"Sheriff." He greets the older man.

"Agent Booth, Dr Brennan. Heard you two had a wild night at Mike's." he grins. Booth looks at Brennan who then looks at the Sheriff.

"Small town news sure travels fast." Booth mutters. "The Rossi's?" he asks.

"I have them in my office. I haven't told them anything except we need to speak to them about Tina." He says. "Figured I'd leave the rest to you." He nods and Booth leads the way into the office.

"Mr and Mrs Rossi." Booth steps towards the couple. They look fairly young.

"Agent Booth? I'm Peter." Mr Rossi steps forward and shakes Booth's hand. "This is my wife, Elizabeth."

"Thank you for coming." Booth says. "This is my partner Dr Temperance Brennan." Brennan steps forward and shakes the couple's hands. It feels weird because in about three minutes they're going to know the fate of their daughter.

"Sheriff Underwood told us you have news of Tina." Elizabeth says. Brennan recalls the meeting with the Davidsons' and she holds back, letting Booth take the lead.

"I'm very sorry to tell you that your daughters' body was found earlier this week." Booth says. "We believe she was killed two months ago."

"She's dead." Peter Rossi sighs. "My baby." He shakes his head.

"What happened to her?" Elizabeth Rossi asks desperately. Brennan notices how she clings to her husband. It must be nice to have someone to lean on.

"We're still trying to establish what happened but we have some ideas." Brennan states. "We could really use your help though."

"How?" Peter asks.

"Was Tina involved with the Starlights?" Booth asks.

"Damn Starlights." Peter says angrily. "They killed my daughter."

"What makes you say that?" Booth asks.

"She wanted out. She wrote to us, told us she was going to leave and come back to us." Elizabeth explains.

"You see Tina was a troubled teenager. She fought with us and felt that we didn't understand her. She met some guy on a trip to Washington D.C with school." Peter continues. Booth doesn't fail to notice the shocked look on Brennan's face. She's wondering if Tina met Daniel.

"She was only fifteen but she turned sixteen a few weeks after she came back. She left home a week or so after that." Peter explains. "She wrote, told us she was living with a group called the Starlights and they understood her and were helping her become who she was meant to be."

"We called the police but they couldn't help. Tina left voluntarily and although she was sixteen they couldn't force her back even if they found her." Elizabeth sobs.

"You said she was going to come home?" Brennan asks.

"She wrote to us a little over two months ago." Peter tells Brennan. "She said she had learned the truth and she needed to come home. She was going to bring a friend with her, someone else who was with the Starlights and wanted out."

"Andrew." Booth sighs.

"Yes, Andrew." Elizabeth seems surprised.

"Tina was found with a boy we identified as Andrew Davidson." Brennan explains.

"She never came home. We thought she changed her mind but…" Elizabeth trails off.

"They killed our baby." Peter looks into Booth's eyes. "Please, don't let them get away with it."

"I won't." Booth replies.

PART FIVE

Following the interview with the Rossi's, Brennan heads back to her makeshift lab at the doctors office. She needs to take a closer look at Angela's report and the cuts on the bones. Knowing she needs space to work, Booth leaves her to work and stays with the Sheriff. They are going to see if it will be possible to get a warrant for the Starlight complex. If they can it may not be necessary for Brennan to speak to Daniel again.

Brennan puts the pieces together and the results horrify her. The Starlights sliced into these two kids repeatedly and all the way to the bone. Some of the marks indicate that flesh was cut off and Brennan hopes to god this isn't another case of cannibalism. Finding that in Aurora was bad enough. Did the Starlights kill Andrew and Tina because they wanted to leave? She contemplates the options. Only then does she realise she's doing what Booth does. She's creating possibilities based on minimal evidence. He has too much influence on me she smiles to herself.

As she works awayshe hears her cell ring.

"Brennan." She answers, expecting it to be Booth or Angela.

"Hey Tempe." Daniel says.

"Daniel, hi." Her voice betrays her surprise.

"I have good news." He says. "I spoke to my contacts and they're happy to meet with you and your Agent Booth." He tells her.

"I'm a little surprised." Brennan says.

"So am I." Daniel replies. "I'll pick you up in an hour?" he offers.

"I need to call Booth. I'll call back, let you know where to meet us." She says hastily. As soon as Daniel has hung up she hits speed dial 2 for Booth.

"Booth." He replies.

"It's me." She says. "Daniel just called."

"What did he want?" Booth asks, his voice hard.

"He's arranged a meeting." She tells Booth.

"With himself?" Booth says sarcastically.

"He wants to know if we can meet him in an hour so he can take us to the Starlights willing to talk."

"A likely story." Booth replies. "Have him meet us at the Sunshine Lodge. We can be prepared for him there." Booth tells her.

When Brennan gets off the phone with Booth she calls Daniel back.

"We'll be ready in an hour at the Sunshine Lodge." She tells him.

"Good, good." Daniel says. "We can clear everything up once and for all.

PART SIX

Brennan paces her room anxiously waiting for Booth. He promised to be here ten minutes ago. When he knocks on her door she yanks it open.

"Where have you been?" she asks. I don't want to face Daniel alone she thinks.

"I'm sorry, I got held up with the Sheriff." Booth says. "No sign of Daniel?" Brennan shakes her head.

"Shouldn't be long though." She looks at her watch. Booth moves from her side when he hears a car pull up outside.

"He's here." Booth notices how Brennan tenses up. She begins to pace anxiously, only stopping when there is a knock at the door. Booth goes to answer and Brennan immediately senses something is wrong. When Booth steps back he is gripping his arm, a glassy look in his eyes.

"Booth!" she gasps as he staggers back into the room. He falls down at her feet by the bed, his eyes barely staying open. His body has gone limp and he cannot move. Daniel walks in behind him with four men.

"What did you do?" Brennan demands as she crouches by Booth's side. Her hand strokes his face, panic building up inside her. Is he dying? Please don't leave me.

"You didn't think I'd let him tag along did you?" Daniel laughs. "Come on Tempe." Two of the men move to Brennan and grab her arms. She fights back, kicking her legs and shouting wildly. The lamp gets knocked over as does the chair. The other two men move in and grab her legs, lifting her up so she cannot move. Daniel takes a large needle and stabs it into her arm. Brennan feels a cool liquid entering her veins. Her body relaxes and her eyes drift closed as Daniel and his followers carry her from the room. Her last thoughts are of Booth and whether he's alive or dead and if he is alive whether she'll ever see him again.

When Booth opens his eyes he has a thumping headache and his body feels alien to him. After a few moments he remembers what happened and he looks around the fuzzy room. A chair is lying on the floor next to him and the lamp is broken in the corner. Outside the day has turned to night.

"Bones." He gasps. "Bones." He lifts himself off the carpet on onto his hands and knees and shakes his head, trying to clear his vision. She isn't anywhere in sight and a panic rises in him he hasn't felt since that night he realised Tessa was behind the attempts on Brennan's life. Staggering to his feet, Booth braces himself on the edge of the dresser. She's gone. Daniel has her.

Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter than what you might be used to. I was speeding along with the story and this seemed like the ideal point to end this chapter. I'm working hard on the last chapter which will bring everything together. Keep reading and reviewing. P.S I'm so happy you all seem to like my stuff.