Well it's crazy how motivated your mind becomes when you decide to end a story. This my third chapter in two days! Crazy, thanks to all of those people who are letting me know you're out there, but truth be told, this story has run it's course and I have been completely humbled by this experience. This is a shorty but alot is explained. Thanks to Kelly who looked this over for me and gave me a few great ideas, I totally appreciate it.

Disclaimer: Seriously?

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He made his way up the back steps like he had done a number of times before. Stealthily like a cat on a ledge under the cover of darkness. They had come so far there was no way he was going to get caught now. His head throbbed from where it came into contact with the rock. He knew Booth would be strong but he had no idea he was that strong. When it came to his partner he definitely put up one hell of a fight. He got to the landing under her bedroom window and knocked softly.

"What are you doing here?" She scolded.

"Where the hell else could I go? They are combing the river and the banks and there are cops all over town, did you think I was gonna go to the nearest Super 8 and get a room? My picture is everywhere, plus my head is killing me and I think I might need stitches."

Charlie pulled the curtains back and helped Kipper into her bedroom.

"How could you let her get away? Jones is probably singing like a caged bird, we're screwed."

"Get off my back! You have no idea what I had to go through, that bastard is tough! For her being so socially inept she is sure a wiley one." Kipper hissed back at his girlfriend.

"Yah, well you didn't have to slap a stupid smile on your face and pretend like you were happy to see her all night. The whole time I watched her I thought, you are my meal ticket and if you think you're safe you are dead wrong. Oh and get this, she wants me to call her, Tempe, cause that's what Dad and Russ call her. God I hate that man." Charlie sneered.

"Okay, calm down, we will just regroup. Where is she now? Are the Feds still hangin' out or have they gone back to town?"

"I don't know about the Feds, I think they are gone but will be back tomorrow morning to talk to the super duo! They are staying in the empty bunkhouse behind the cookhouse. The one that is up aways, it's pretty secluded."

"Perfect. When did they go to bed?"

"I don't know, do I look like I tucked them in? They headed up about an hour and a half ago if that's a help."

"You don't have to sound so mad about it, I just want to make sure they're sleeping. They want the girl alive but do they care if the partner is breathing?"

"He is of no consequence, just do what you have to, I want that money, it's the least Max can do for me after all. He took the one thing that meant the most to me and now I get to return the favor."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Kipper walked over to Charlie and wrapped his arms around her. "This is the best plan yet, how did you know she would come?"

Charlie reached up and pulled the back of his head down to her level and kissed him hard. "She's an orphan, they are always looking for family."

Kipper winced. "Do you mind taking a look at that before you do anymore damage. Just tell me if I need stitches or not, do your magic and then I'll go take care of our retirement fund."

"Sure, get down here, you baby."

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Booth could feel that her body had finally relaxed and she had drifted into a deep sleep. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something about Charlie was off. When he mentioned Kipper being injured her body reacted like she was hurt and concerned. With each mention of Max her jaw clenched and she balled her fists. He just had a feeling. He could understand her having bitter feelings towards her brother-in-law but it had been over twenty years. There was just something about the way she looked at Brennan too, a mixture of pure love and hatred. The smokiness behind her eyes was undeniable. Could Charlie be the one that they should be looking at? Cathy was with them the whole time and she was running scared like the rest of them, he didn't think it could be Cathy, but then again, never say never.

He pulled Brennan closer and buried his face in her hair. The smell seemed to always relax him since they started this adventure. She wiggled closer and he smiled to himself. She likes it. Booth let sleep over take him, unaware of the shadow that watched them intently.

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Well I hope that answers some of your questions more to come very soon!