I know, I know. It took me longer than a week to finish up this chapter. Whoops. But I'm very pleased with the way it came out. This chap leads up to B&B's meeting. You'll know what Booth and Hodgins do for a living and get a glimpse at the group's day-to-day.
A big hug to Caris Bennet for her input. She's the reason this story moves along faster;)
Disclaimer: Bones belongs to Fox.
Booth exhaled, draping his suit jacket on the back of his desk chair. He loosened the knot on his tie as he sat down. So far he'd had one of those days; long and difficult. There were Mondays and there were Mondays.
An hour later he was still looking over the documents for his new case. His client didn't take the necessary precautions when acquiring new property and was shocked with what she discovered. She'd promptly informed the corresponding authorities upon finding toxic waste in her land. The removal process was under way and his client was looking to sue the responsible party or parties.
Yup, long and difficult day.
His office phone rang, providing a short distraction of his cataloguing of facts. Booth answered with his usual professional greeting. It was Hodgins, finally returning his call. From the sounds of it, his friend's day wasn't any better.
"What happened?" Booth asked, concerned with his friend's agitation.
"One of my drivers was held at gunpoint this morning and left stranded." Booth could understand why his friend was worried. After working for the EPA for several years Hodgins started a hazardous waste treatment facility. A missing truck meant missing dangerous waste. "It's been crazy here." Hodgins shook his head and asked Booth why he called.
Booth sighed. "I went for a jog this morning and I must have dropped my cell. I retraced my steps, but didn't find it."
"That sucks, man." Hodgins wondered why a lost phone merited a call. He was sure Booth would have no problem getting a replacement.
"It's not such a big deal. I've already reported it." The loss Booth was grieving was Temperance's number.
"Oh." Hodgins laughed. "What? You want me to get it for you?" Booth told him that he was supposed to call Temperance to set up a lunch date. "Dude, you should have started with that!" He assured Booth he'd get in contact with Angela as soon as he could and would get back to him.
B&B
Brennan found Angela on the couch when she returned from her long day at the Jeffersonian.
"Sweetie, I've got news for you." Angela sat her down. Brennan eyed her friend with an arched eyebrow. "Guess who I spoke with on the phone today?" Angela's eyes sparkled with glee.
"I don't guess." Brennan stated matter of fact.
"Ugh." Angela rolled her eyes at the literal answer. "Jack's friend, Seeley." That got Brennan's full attention. Angela reserved nothing, giving Brennan the full conversation.
"You did what!" Brennan exclaimed, rising from the couch.
"Well, if he 'lost' your number then he doesn't get to talk to you on the phone just yet." Angela smiled wickedly. "He's gotta work for it."
"I can't believe you." Brennan huffed. She couldn't believe, okay maybe she could, that Angela arranged a lunch meeting on Wednesday with Booth.
"To keep some of the expectant vibe, you'll be meeting him at Sid's. I've got the address right here." Angela informed, ignoring her friend's glare. Brennan took the piece of paper with the scribbled address.
Later that night
Angela was getting a glass of water when someone knocked on their front door. She walked to the door, checking the security hole before opening.
"Yes?" Angela opened the door to a not so tall, but still very handsome man with dark hair.
"Is Dr. Temperance Brennan home?" The man asked, instantly noting the guarded expression on the woman's face. "I'm Special Agent Tim Sullivan." He flashed his badge.
"Wait right here." She allowed the agent inside before walking towards Brennan's bedroom.
"Agent Sullivan is here?" Brennan found his visit odd.
"You know him?" Angela wondered why her friend hadn't mentioned Special Agent Hottie.
"Dr. Goodman thought it would help relations if we assisted with homicide investigations." A year ago Brennan and her assistant, Zach, landed their first murder investigation. Brennan went out to the crime scene and assisted by not only identifying the victim, but also by giving a description of the murder weapon. "Agent Sullivan's partner was very unpleasant." That's why Brennan refused to continue the liaison between the FBI and the Jeffersonian.
Agent Sullivan drummed his fingers on his belt as he waited for Brennan. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her, wearing pajama shorts and a tank top. She looked younger that way and he enjoyed the softer side of her, out of the blue lab coat.
"Dr. Brennan." He said by way of greeting.
"Why are you here?" Brennan cut right to the chase, scratching off the niceties. The FBI man nodded, informing her of the situation.
"Earlier this morning a truck transporting toxic waste was reported stolen." He went on to say that said truck was found on the outskirts of a national park with its contents partially spilled.
"What does this have to do with me?" Brennan didn't understand why the man was in her living room talking about stolen vehicles and hazards.
"Well, once the cleanup efforts began…some remains were found, presumed to be human." The agent knew that had he called Brennan asking for her help, she might have refused. Asking in person would probably persuade her otherwise.
Angela's jaw clenched. Her friend never had a moment of peace. She knew Brennan was very dedicated and in high demand. She deserved time for herself, so Angela didn't feel one ounce of guilt for setting up the lunch date with Booth.
B&B
Booth screeched to a halt in front of Sid's, barely locking the car. He stopped short when he entered the restaurant, finding it empty. It was almost two and the lunch crowd was long gone. His shoulders slumped as he took a seat on one of the bar stools.
Without being asked, Sid placed a slice of apple pie and a cup of coffee in front of Booth.
"Did anyone ask for me?" Booth looked up, receiving an almost imperceptible shake from the other man. As if knowing he needed some space, Sid headed back into the kitchen.
Booth mentally kicked himself. Not only did he lose her number, but now she was probably thinking he'd stood her up. Being held up in court even sounded like an excuse. It was as if someone up there didn't want him to see her again. He grunted, slapping a few bills on the counter next to his coffee and stood.
It wasn't difficult for Brennan to find a parking space.
She disliked tardiness and she wasn't even sure if he'd still be waiting. The remains she was working on were a true nightmare. Alarms were triggered constantly, despite the numerous precautions. The identification process was being greatly affected by their contact with the hazardous substance.
Her mind was reeling with the stress of the situation, making her walk briskly.
Booth stepped outside, distracted with his own thoughts to notice Brennan headed his way.
They collided against each other. Instinctively he wrapped an arm around the feminine waist to stabilize her.
"Temperance!" He smiled wide, hardly believing his good luck after all.
"Booth Seeley." Brennan teased, inevitably landing a hand on his bicep for balance.
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