Birthday Suits in a Suite

(AKA Booth in a Loincloth)

Chapter Seven

Susan H.

"It's been two nights now, has Foster found anything?" Angie asked wiping tears.

"I think he has a lead. He is visiting some sheriff today. He says he has it on good authority that Brennan and Booth were heading to see him," Cam said.

"How did he know where to start?" Hodgins asked.

"Well, standard procedure, in any law enforcement, would be to trace credit card statements, or any other trail that can be found. I'm sure that led Foster to a starting point," Cam answered.

"Well, that's almost as good as a bug, I guess."

"Science isn't everything Hodge Podge, law enforcement has its tricks too."

"Actually, I can break that statement down, and argue that everything is indeed science."

"Maybe later Hodge." Cam answered quickly.

"What if it's too late? Then none of this even matters," Angie cried.

"Not time to panic yet Angie. I'll let you know when that time comes." Cam said. "Now, what do you say we all go hide in an office before Daisy gets here?"

Everyone lunged for an office.

***

That morning, Foster sat in his car watching City Hall. A large man exited, and Foster compared it to his picture of John Hamill. John climbed into his police car and drove away.

Foster skipped up the City Hall steps.

"Good Morning, Good Morning!" he said to the receptionist.

"Where is that Big John?"

"Sir, you just missed him."

"Well, when do you expect him back?"

"I could call him for you."

"No need, No need ma'am. I can come back. He and I are old friends from the Navy.

"John served in the Marines."

"I know that ma'am. That's a private joke between me and the big guy. You tell him his old navy friend dropped by, and he'll know who you're talking about." Foster laughed.

"Oh," the receptionist laughed with him.

"I'm just passing through, but I heard about that bank robbery you all had here. It's a terrible world when a lovely town like this is touched by such crime. Big John working on that case?"

"He did a little bit, but it's the FBI's jurisdiction. They sent an agent out to ask some questions, but then two more agents stopped by to talk to the sheriff. It was a man and a woman."

"Isn't that just like the FBI, thinking they can do a better job than a good old down-to-earth lawman?"

"Yeah, that's just how John feels about it."

"Well, ma'am, I won't keep you from your work any longer. You just let the big ape know his old "Navy" buddy stopped by."

"Will do sir. Bye"

"Bye now!"

***

Back in his car, Foster studied a map of the town. He drove past the impound lot, and parked a block away. He opened a mini bottle of Black Velvet. He took a sip and swished in around his mouth, holding for a long time before swallowing. Then he stumbled to the impound booth.

"Hey!" he yelled. "Hey, thas my car you rotten pigs."

"Can I help you sir?" the man in the booth asked.

"Yeah," he breathed out heavily, "is that SUV over there mine? I come out of the bar, and it was gone. Just tell me, is that mine?"

"What's the license plate number sir?"

"Well who knows that? Stupid question."

"Can you describe it?"

"Yes I can."

Foster described Booth's SUV, and the lot worker checked his records.

"What's your name sir?"

"'s Taylor!"

"No sir, it's not here."

"Well, I see its roof over there." Foster pointed.

"No sir, that's a government vehicle. Sir, maybe you just forgot where you parked, and I think that's a good thing. You really shouldn't be driving until you sober up some."

"Maybe you are right son. I love ya son. You're looking out for a stranger. You're a good kid." Foster said as he stumbled away.

Back in his car, he opened his cell phone and punched a contact.

"Hi Franny, it's Dillon. How are you this morning?"

"Oh Darlin', I'm good. I was just telling my daughter Faith about our dinner last night. She and I are going out to buy some pepper sprays, and we are looking for a self defense class."

"Franny, you are a brilliant woman. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed myself very much last night. Do you think we can get together in a couple of days? Maybe dinner and a movie?"

"Why, I'd just love that Darlin'."

"I'll need to get back to you with the exact day and time. I'm so sorry, but I'm in the middle of some things and just not sure when everything will be finished."

"Oh, you don't need to be sorry. You just call me when the dust settles."

"Thanks Peaches. You take care."

"Bye Darlin'."