Night had fallen by the time they reached the truck, and Booth approached carefully, not trusting that the area was deserted. He didn't bother to warn Bones to be quiet – she'd been asleep for a few hours now. He was rewarded for his vigilance by the sound of voices, and soon flickering lights could be seen through the trees. They found the truck. Ah, well, I kinda thought they would. Really hope they didn't find the guns, though… He circled around the group of men, meticulously noting the number of hostiles, the firepower being displayed. Ten or eleven subjects, mostly AK-47s. Hmmm. Gonna need a little distraction here…they didn't find my stuff. Better for us. Kneeling, he lowered Bones to the ground, then quickly leaned over when she stirred.
"Booth…" He pressed his fingers against her lips, and she immediately froze, understanding. He put his lips next to her ear.
"They found the truck. I have to set up a diversion – a lotta noise, some necessary damage. These guys are real bad players – if they catch us, we're finished." He pressed a gun into her hand. "If anyone comes near you, you shoot to kill. You understand? No leg shots tonight – we do what we have to do, to make sure we get out of here. This is a safe area, so stay here – I'm gonna start setting up the show. As soon as all hell breaks loose, I'll be back for you."
She grabbed for his hand, clutching it. "It's too dangerous, Booth. You could leave me here, and come back later with reinforcements…you'll be able to escape if you're alone."
"Do you really think I'm gonna leave here without you?" His eyes gleamed in the darkness. "How long have you known me?" He sensed she wanted to argue, and stifled a curse. "Just do me a favor, Bones, and shut up."
He paused, and looked intently into her eyes. "You listen to me. Do not leave this spot. I don't care what kind of trouble you think I'm in, you stay here. If something goes wrong – " He gripped her chin as she shook her head violently. "If something goes wrong, you lay low for a day or two, then head straight south. It's only a couple miles to friendly territory. There're enough supplies for you to make it. Make sure you take a gun, and enough ammo. Promise me." When she didn't respond, he tightened his hold on her jaw. "Promise me." Her eyes flooded with tears, but after a long moment, she nodded slowly. He smiled reassuringly, but when he began to move, she clutched his sleeve.
"Booth." She pulled at him until he was over her again, then reached up to him. The kiss was brief, fleeting, and overflowing with emotion. "Good luck." Something flashed in his eyes briefly, and then he was swallowed up by the night. She gazed in the direction he had gone for several long minutes, then inched along on the ground until she could see the clearing. Booth had chosen this vantage point well – the men were clearly visible, and appeared to be drinking heavily. I wish they would drink themselves into unconsciousness. I wish I could help more. Be careful, Booth.
Booth was very good; she knew he was out there, close enough to make contact with the band of men, but she never saw him. Time passed, and her body started to ache. Systematically she moved and stretched one limb at a time - if she had to move quickly, she didn't want to be too stiff. Her nerves wore to near the breaking point, then wore a little further.
Suddenly the clearing lit up, bright as day. A second later, the explosion was deafening. She cringed, struggling to see what was happening. Fires had sprung up in several spots, and chaos ruled. She saw some bodies on the ground, but others were running around, grabbing their guns. A shot rang out, and one of the men collapsed face down, unmoving. Another shot, and another body. Now the men were panicked, and some of them started to run. Then she saw Booth. He was braced against a tree, pointing a rifle at the men. Those that ran, he spared - but if he had no choice, he shot. She looked closer, then stifled a gasp and gripped her gun tighter. Is that someone behind Booth? Oh damn damn damn…She crawled closer, pointing her gun at the area where she had caught the movement. Finally, she saw it again – an individual was moving up behind Booth, and he had a gun. It only took a second for her to realize that Booth was not yet aware of the threat. She aimed carefully at her target. You're a good shot, Temperance. You have to be good now. You have to be better than good. Remembering the tips Booth had given her in the past, she braced her arms, focused, exhaled – and squeezed off one round. The man shrieked and toppled backwards, landing limply in the brush. Booth whirled, prepared for a fight - when he saw the body, he swung back around, and, even though she knew he couldn't see her through her cover, he looked right at her. The expression on his face made her shiver. He scanned the area, but found no one left. All had either run, or been stopped. He slung the rifle around to his back, and sprinted up the hill toward her, reaching her as she struggled to her feet.
"Let's go." Before she could speak, he grabbed her around the waist, tucked her under one arm, and barreled back down, toward the truck. She held on as tightly as she could despite the pain, knowing if she bounced less, he could move quicker. Her senses blurred together – the heat and roar of the flames, the searing pain from her wounds, the wild pounding of her heart, Booths' arm, tight as a band of iron around her waist. They reached the truck more quickly than she expected - Booth dropped her in her seat, leapt over her, and reached for the ignition. The Rover roared to life, and flung itself forward as he stomped the gas pedal. They catapulted into the trees, and as they sped along the dirt track, the truck bucked wildly, tossing them around in their seats. "Buckle up, Bones," he shouted, "you're gonna get hurt even worse if you don't." She doggedly searched for the fastener, finally securing it after being heaved out of her seat three more times. If the pain pill she'd taken a short while ago was working at all, she couldn't tell.
Booth glanced over at her – he was worried, she didn't look too good. I hope she can manage this pace – the sooner we're out of here the better off she'll be. His gaze dropped down to the bandage on her leg, noting that it was crimson. Ah, dammit. "Bones!" When she looked his way, he nodded at her leg. "You're bleeding again. There're some combines in that compartment – can you put some pressure on it, or do you need help?"
"I'll try…" Numbly, she drew out the trauma dressings, holding them to her hip. The adrenaline rush from the explosion was all but gone now, leaving her in a fog, and her leg and hip were screaming. I can't slow him down…I can't… "I'm fine, Booth, don't stop!"
"Are you sure?" He heard her hollow tone and looked at her, prepared to pull over.
"Yes, keep going. We have to get out of here. Please!" His voice had sounded as if it was coming through a tunnel, and her vision was graying. If I pass out, he'll stop – have to stay awake… She gripped the door as hard as she could, fighting with all her strength, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. I can't, I can't…