Chapter 12

Speeding down the DC beltway, Booth was lost in thought. He'd just talked to Angela, who was in contact with the security personnel at his apartment building. Evidently, someone had sprayed black paint over strategically located security cameras. His guessed it was the person who had Brennan. There was no one else it could be, he reasoned.

Swallowing past the lump that seemed to be permanently lodged in this throat, he quickly swerved across three lanes of traffic, ignoring the blaring horns and obscene gestures people gave him. He made a split second decision to take the exit for his place, wanting to see for himself the location of these cameras. He never even noticed them in the past, taking them for granted, but wanted to get a good look at them now. Maybe he'd notice something, or something would occur to him that would break the case. Booth knew he was running out of time, he had a gut feeling the clock was ticking.

His mind wandered back to Jenny Montgomery. Recalling key points in the case, hoping to find some sort of clue, or link to where Brennan was being held now. Gripping the steering wheel in one hand, he pinched the bridge of his nose with the other. He could feel a tension headache coming on fast and furious.

He knew he wouldn't find Brennan at his house that was too easy. Nor would he find her at her own home either, as he had agents watching it, and it seemed just a little bit too risky.

Like snatching her from your building wasn't risky? He mentally argued with himself angrily. At that thought, he punched the steering wheel in frustration, and swore.

Pulling into his building, and parking his large SUV, Booth exited his vehicle and jogged to the building entrance from the underground lot. He glanced up at where the now replaced security camera was located. Had it not have been blacked out, it would have given him a clear shot of who took her. Angela was already going over the tapes prior to when it was blacked out, looking for any hints or clues. As of now, nothing out of the ordinary came up.

Booth jabbed the elevator button, and quickly entered the small car. The movement of the car jerked and whirred, dragging up him up to his home. Suddenly, he remembered that there was still one picture left, and if he remembered correctly, it was a picture of Brennan entering a grocery store, the picture had been taped to his front door, the message on the back saying: "Been home lately"?

Knowing he didn't get the message faxed to him within the last few hours, he hurried to his apartment door, dreading what he may find. As he approached his door, he saw from a distance something WAS there. Booth felt his heart rate increase. He ran to his door and placed both hands on either side of the picture. It WAS the same one. On the back, it the words in black marker, were different than what were on the original, this time it said

"Dr. Brennan lies upon a bed of fire"

What the hell does that mean he wondered frantically. His gaze glanced left and then right down the deserted halls, as if an answer could be found there. He didn't even know where to start to look.

Jenny Montgomery…..he thought to himself. Obviously he couldn't ask her, she was dead. Following that train of thought, he began to pace the corridor.

How did she die? He asked himself, running a hand through his hair absently

"She killed herself" he said aloud, answering his own question

Okay…how did she try to kill Bones? He prodded, seeking answers, looking for any possible connection.

He puffed out a breath, recalling the painful memory "she incased her in ice" he whispered raggedly. "Copying a serial killer" he added

Ice…ice…ice…he thought. Finding no answer there, he went on.

Where was Brennan when you found Jenny? He thought. He'd rescued Bones by the time he found Jenny, so she was safe.

Where did I find Jenny? In my apartment! He recalled, but the likely hood of her being there was very slim. Still…rushing to open his apartment door, hoping to find Brennan where he'd found Jenny. He hurried to his bedroom, only to find his bed empty…wait. What was that laying on the pillow?

It was a matchbook. With 1 match missing.

This makes no sense he thought with a frown

End this chapter!

A/N: Much thanks for all the great reviews! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

-R-