Chapter 14

"Because I said so, that's why, now can you just be quiet for one second and let me try and figure out where the hell we are?" Booth grumbled to his partner, Bones, who was very unhappy at their current situation. They'd been in the car for over 3 hours, and now, to be honest…he just wasn't sure if they were driving the right way. Not that he planned on admitting that to her. No way.

He was holding a folded map, trying to drive and argue at the same time. So far he had managed not to go off the road, and not to reach across the seat and strangle her. He was very proud of himself at his restraint.

"Well if you would have asked directions like I said 30 miles back, we wouldn't be here now, would we? What is it with males that they refuse to ask for directions? I am sure there is an anthropological explanation behind this" she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and gazing out the window.

"Must be that alpha male; always be in control issue of yours…you should talk to Gordon about it." She advised him without breaking her gaze from the scenery.

"Bones…." He warned, his eyes glared at her over the map. Her gaze was out the window so his icy stare met the side of her head. She could be so irritating!

She said nothing and sighed. They had both been released from the hospital after being treated for smoke inhalation; it was decided by the FBI, and Booth's superiors that they get out of town until they could catch this person or persons responsible. Booth of course thought it was a great idea, because who better to protect her than him? He was anxious to find out if any evidence was left behind at the crime scene that could help find the person responsible.

Temperance had argued until she nearly went hoarse about this going out of town and hiding business, to no avail. He refused to budge. She pointed out that she knew 3 types of martial arts, and had a hunting license in 3 states. His response was: "Yeah and it sure did seem to come in handy when Jenny had you last year and you nearly died, didn't it Bones? Or when this guy grabbed you and nearly killed you" She knew she wouldn't win this one after he said that in his quiet tone, and gave her that look of his with those eyes.

They'd been sort of dating on and off since last year when this all went down, and hadn't really made time for a long weekend alone. Maybe this would help their relationship grow.

While it was true she was glad she was on vacation, Brennan had wanted to stay home, work on her novel, catch up on some forensic journals she'd been meaning to read. She'd even managed to finish over half of that puzzle of the great pyramids she started. Also considered painting the spare room and the kitchen. Guess that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Now she was off to some secluded cabin in Virginia, no internet access, no phone service other than Booth's phone. Although….the being alone with Booth part was definitely a perk, she reconsidered, sneaking a glance at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Booth…." She began after a long pause.

"What Bones?" he said not looking at her, he was peering at the road sign ahead

"How long do you really think are we going to be out here?" she asked, as rainfall increased. Booth switched on the wipers. Rain droplets bounced off the pavement, and instantly, small streams of water appeared beside the road.

"Until the person or persons responsible are caught Bones….hey! There's the turn. See! I told you I knew where I was going!" he smirked at her, as he tossed the folded map over his shoulder in the back seat. Thank God, he thought. I was thinking of turning back and asking directions

"Damn near missed it because of this sudden rain thing though…." He trailed off, and made a sharp left turn onto a heavily concealed drive. The dirt road was swampy and there were mud puddles developing everywhere. Looks like this rainfall has been a steady occurrence lately, he noted

"And no one knows where we are, right?" she pressed on, watching him maneuver his way down a very bumpy section. He hit a bump, jostling her around in her seat. She repositioned herself and held on to the handle above the door.

"Right right. This is my brothers hunting cabin. Much nicer than some of those FBI safe houses out there. I haven't been here in years, but Jared said it was all ready for us" he said, trying to concentrate on the difficult stretch of road before them. It wound and curved its way through the forest.

Brennan had lost interest in what he was saying, as she was fascinated with the surrounding forest and ambiance. She rolled down the window a crack, and caught the moist outdoor scent, heard the chirp, twitter, tweet of birds. She couldn't be sure, but she thought she saw a deer off in a distance.

Brennan was about to say something to Booth, she felt the SUV jolt to a stop. Looking to him, she followed his gaze. A large tree was down in the middle of the road.

"Well this is just great" he said under his breath. Shifting the SUV into park, he got out, and made his way up to the log. The rain had not subsided, so as he approached the obstruction, he looked like he was getting very wet.

"Gee Jared, sure would have been nice if you mentioned this…." He said to himself. Booth slid his hands in his pockets of his jacket and regarded the situation.

Brennan sat in the SUV a moment, unwilling to get out and get cold and wet herself. It wouldn't be logical for both of them to stand out there and stare at the log and get wet.

Suddenly, and without warning, a shot rang out in the woods, piercing the passenger window where she sat, missing her head by mere inches. Glass shattered inward everywhere, and Brennan held her head in her hands and pushed herself down beneath the door frame out of sight.

End this chapter