Chapter Twenty

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The first thing Temperance spotted when she got back to her car was a white envelope on the window. She stopped, staring for a while. Then she took it up and opened it. There was a white, computer written note inside. She started to read and the shock she felt as she reached the end almost took her breath away. It was signed – Lisa.

Temperance could hardly believe what she just read. Her eyes swept over the letters again, re-reading. 'You think you could get rid of me that easy, well you're wrong Bone-lady, I have a little plan you see, the thing is, Seeley is mine, and I'm not gonna let you take him away from me. So here is what we'll do, I happen to know he is living with you, but that's gonna end pretty soon. You get him out of your place; I don't care how you do it. Then you stay away from him; make it clear you don't want to have anything to do with him. And he can NOT know about this, make something up. Now you probably think, forget it, but the thing is, if you don't do exactly as I say, I'm gonna kill someone really special to him, in other words – his son, Parker. Yeah you heard me; I'll kill that little brat. And I'm serious, as I've proven already with you know what. I'll do anything to make him mine Bones, and that includes kill his baby boy. Hope we understand each other – LISA.'

Temperance didn't know how she managed to get into the car, but she did before her legs gave way under her. Her head was spinning. What was she going to do? Again she regretted not killing that bitch. Her first thought was. Like hell! But when she thought about it some more, what choice did she really have? Lisa had made it perfectly clear what was going to happen if she didn't do as she said. And one thing Temperance knew, she could never live with the knowledge that she was responsible for Parker's death. Booth would never forgive her. But she couldn't stand the thought of leaving him either. What would he think? That she didn't love him? She couldn't hurt him like that; they had been through so much already. And all the time he'd been there for her, promising he wouldn't leave her. So, how could she be able to just throw him out? Telling him she doesn't want to see him again… he would think it's his fault…

She didn't know how long she'd been sitting there, but a plan had started to form in her head. A plan she didn't like at all, but a plan that she had to follow, for both Booth's and Parker's sake.

She would do as Lisa said, what choice did she have? And then she wouldn't rest until she'd found that chick and put her away for good. Temperance was sure Lisa would be in jail many years for the things she'd done. She just hoped it wouldn't take too long to find her. She needed to explain everything to Booth as soon as possible, or else everything could be ruined. She just hoped that once he had heard the truth, the real reason for her actions that he would forgive her, and most of all be able to trust her again.

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Temperance walked into the apartment with tears brimming in her eyes. She would do anything to change what she was about to do, but no matter how much she wanted to, she couldn't.

"Bones," his voice greeted her and she looked up, meeting Booth's eyes. "Are you alright?"

Temperance couldn't speak. Why did he ask her if she was alright? Why did he make it even harder for her?

"Tempe?"

Temperance swallowed hard. She felt all warm inside when he called her that. He had never called her 'Tempe' before this whole 'hospital thing', but she was more than happy he had started to. But right now, it was too much.

"Seeley," she whispered his name almost inaudibly walking up to him and placed her arms tight around him. Her head was screaming at her to stop, but she just couldn't. Booth placed his arms around her too, letting his hand run through her hair. Both of them feeling comforted in each others arms.

After what seemed like an eternity, Temperance pulled away. Booth looked at her sadly and with that she knew she could never bring herself to do it. Not tonight.

"I'm sorry I just took off like that… uh… maybe we should get some sleep…" she said instead, trying to act normally. Booth nodded. "I understand."

Temperance managed a small smile.

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Temperance thought this morning must be the worst in her life. She had been at the Jeffersonian many hours now, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't focus at anything.

Angela knew something was wrong, both by looking at her best friend, and the fact that Booth wasn't with her. But when she asked her about it, Temperance refused to talk about it, also did she refuse to meet any ones eyes.

Hours went by and when Angela peeked into her friends' office, she wasn't surprised to find her in there. But what surprised her was the paper she was staring at and the tears that was silently running down her cheeks.

"Sweetie?" Angela's voice was soft. She walked in and closed the door. "Bren, what's wrong?"

For the first time this day, Temperance looked up, into Angela's eyes. She wiped away tears, gesturing for Angela to come closer.

Angela sat down at the edge of the desk and took the paper Temperance was offering her. She began reading. When she was finished all she could do was stare at the letter for a long time. First she didn't understand. She was shocked, angry and confused. But suddenly she realized why her friend looked so miserable, she looked at Temperance.

"Oh my god, what did you tell him?" she almost whispered.

Temperance didn't know if she could bring herself to say it. Her mind drifted back to the awful moment earlier this day.

"Temperance? Why are you doing this? Is it because of what Lisa… is it because of me?"

The pain in his voice had broken her heart. But she knew she had to follow through with this plan.

She had only managed to shake her head weakly. A trembling "No." had escaped her mouth. But Booth hadn't believed her.

"But I love you, I know you feel the same. Bones, Tempe, please…"

All she had wanted to do was to run up to him and hold him, never letting go. But she couldn't. Instead she'd yelled. Pushing him further and further away, breaking his heart as well.

Booth had left the apartment, just as she'd wanted. But she hadn't been prepared for the pain. It hurt her so much to hurt Booth. Before he'd closed the door, he'd given her one last look. A long, depressed look. The tears running down his cheeks would haunt her forever…

"Sweetie?" Angela's voice brought her back from her thoughts. She shook her head sadly, wishing she could have told him the truth, but she didn't dare. She couldn't risk Parker's life.

Temperance looked at Angela. "I had no choice had I?" her voice trembled as she spoke. Angela remained silent for once. Hesitating she shook her head.

Temperance buried her face in her hands, snivelling softly. "I broke his heart," she sobbed out.

Angela knelt in front of her friends' chair, taking her in her arms. "Hey," she whispered. "If you don't kill that blonde bitch, I'll do it for you," Angela promised. "You'll get him back, Booth is going to be alright, so are you, okay sweetie?"

"No, you didn't see the look in his eyes; I've lost him for good…"

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TBC.

AN/ Yes I know I'm evil. But I promise you, this fic isn't going to be sad forever, it's getting better!