Chapter Three: Russ' Return.
"Sorry, did you just say her boyfriend?"
Booth sees all colour drain from Brennan's face and grabs her hand, squeezing it supportively.
Mr Brooks catches the action and furrows his brow in confusion. "Yes. Her boyfriend. Kyle. Is there something wrong?"
"No, no, no. Nothing wrong. It's just – this is a murder investigation, sir, and a lot of secrets will come out. Not all of them will be good."
"Secrets?" Mrs Brooks weeps. "About Kyle? No, there can't be. He seemed like such a nice man."
"Treated Abigail like the princess she was," Mr Brooks adds.
"So you have no reason to believe the man in this drawing could have done this to her?" Booth questions, while his wife remains silent at his side. A quick glance in her direction confirms that her eyes have glazed over, her brain whirring as she considers the concept of her brother cheating on his long-time wife. He can't wait until this interview is over so he can take her outside, talk things through with her.
"Absolutely not. He did not kill her."
"Not a chance," Abigail's mother agrees, haphazardly wiping away the tears that stream down her cheeks. "Kyle loved her. He told me so. He loved her. I can't believe…"
"It's OK, ma'am," Booth comforts, as he quickly finishes the coffee in his mug. He sees Brennan has barely touched hers, but that's understandable. Everything she thought she knew about her brother has been completely rocked, twisted upside down. Coffee would probably make her feel even more sick than she already does. "If I have anymore questions… Can I call?"
"Of course, dear." Mrs Brooks smiles at him through her tears and he smiles tenderly back as he removes a business card from the inside pocket of his jacket and hands it over to her.
"Here's my number. If you remember anything – even if you think it's only a small, inconsequential detail – that could help us find your daughter's killer, please don't hesitate to call."
"We won't."
"Our condolences," Booth says again with a small shake of his head. He can't imagine ever being in their position, finding out their child has outlived them… It's so cruel, especially since Abigail was their only one. Losing any one of his children would end him, so he can understand how devastating this must feel. He's notified victims' families thousands of times by this point in his career, but it never gets any easier. Ever. Turning up on somebody's door, announcing that their loved one has passed away… been murdered… He hates it. It's the worst part of his job without a doubt. Even worse than paperwork and discovering the gross decomposed corpses, which is saying something. He hates being the one to give them the worst news they've ever heard, he hates having to sit there, stoic, as the victims' relatives cry and cry and cry. He thinks it's even worse when he has to tell parents that their children have been killed. As a father himself, it breaks his heart and makes him want to go home to his own children and never let them go.
"Thank you. You'll keep us updated on the case?" Comes the gruff voice of Mr Brooks, transporting Booth away from his emotional monologue and back to reality.
He nods sincerely. "Of course. Thank you for the drinks, for welcoming us into your home. We're sorry we couldn't bring better news."
"Very sorry," Brennan agrees, speaking her first words since Abigail's mother dropped her bombshell. Booth's eyes shift to his wife and he can tell she's on the verge of tears herself. So he stands, shakes the hands of Mr and Mrs Brooks, then leads Brennan out of their house, his palm resting casually on the small of her back as they trudge through the rain to his SUV parked on the side of the road.
Once they climb in, they just sit there, the rain coming down harder and faster against the windscreen. Neither of them says anything. Neither of them knows what to say, too shell-shocked to do anything other than wait in silence.
Brennan is eventually the one to disrupt it. "I can't believe…" Her voice fades away, her throat tightening. "I can't believe…"
"I know, Bones. This is crazy."
Their eyes meet and he can see the fear within them. It tugs at his heartstrings, seeing her so lost like this. It's been a long time. They've been so happy for so many years and it's as if the universe has suddenly decided to get them back, mix some drama into their lives that have been lacking it for so long. Except it's not a tiny dose of drama, it's full-on soap opera style drama. Completely over-the-top and ridiculous, but true.
Russ is their primary suspect in the murder of 27 year old Abigail Brooks.
Russ had been having an extra-marital affair with Abigail Brooks.
Russ was in love with Abigail Brooks.
Russ had been using his birth name – Kyle Keenan – when he was with Abigail Brooks.
They're all objective facts. But – unfortunately for Booth and Brennan – they paint a pretty damning image of somebody they love and care about.
"He wouldn't kill anyone, would he? And he couldn't cheat on Amy, right?" She asks him, desperation seeping into her tone. It's obvious that she needs assurance from her husband, however he's not so certain he can provide what she needs right now.
"I didn't think he was capable of either, but right now, it's looking very much like he was cheating. Everybody has secret lives from their families, Bones. They paint an idealistic view so their relatives won't judge them, but maybe all is not as it seems. Maybe we never knew him as well as we thought we did."
"Booth, this is my brother," she rebuffs. "He did not kill Abigail Brooks."
"He may not have done, but he was seen dumping her body and was having an extra-marital affair with our victim using a name he hasn't been registered as since he was seven years old. Even you have to admit that's suspicious behaviour, Bones."
"Surely that makes Amy a better suspect than Russ!"
Booth stares at her incredulously. "You really think Amy has the strength to bludgeon that woman's skull to smithereens?"
"OK, fine, it couldn't have been Amy, but I can categorically tell you that it wasn't Russ either."
"Bones…" He sighs, knowing when her voice gets all passionate like it just had that he's fighting a lost cause. She will protect her family come hell or high water. He understands, he'd do the same thing and God knows how much he let Jared get away with before he died. Unfortunately, Booth is also a federal agent. The Deputy Director of the FBI and, family ties aside, Russ is currently looking like their most credible suspect.
"You need to bring him in for questioning, don't you?" She says, her head downcast.
"I hate it, but yes. I do." He tucks his finger beneath her chin and raises it so she's looking straight into his eyes. He can see the moisture filling in hers and guilt stabs him in the chest. He hates that he has to do this, has to cause her so much pain when she's already been through so much in her life. "I'm sorry, Bones."
"I know," she responds softly. "You're just doing your job."
"Yeah. My job sucks sometimes."
She doesn't reply, simply nodding her agreement. She slips her hand into his and entwines their fingers together, letting her husband comfort her with murmured apologies and promises that everything will be OK.
An hour or so later, he's back in his office and Brennan back at home with the kids. She'd decided to reduce her work hours several years earlier, spending the time with the kids becoming her number one priority. Her interns are very well trained and perfectly capable. Besides, this victim is still mostly in tact and it's common knowledge his wife does not like the fleshy ones. Bones are her forte, so when there aren't that many bones for her to examine, she'd much rather be with Hank and Christine. He can't blame her. He'd prefer to spend time with his family above all else too, but Aubrey had specifically asked for his assistance in this case and since it's so personal to Booth, he feels like he can't just leave now.
He's sat in his chair, Aubrey on the other side of his desk, a mountain of photographs and background information and case files between them. They're both flicking through the folders, trying to find a decent motive or suspect anywhere… coming up empty. The only connection to her murder they can see is Russ. Or Kyle, as she thought he was called.
"Russ was dating this girl?" Aubrey asks incredulously as they take a break, both sipping the coffee from their mugs.
"Mmhmm. According to her parents, he loved her."
"Isn't he married with kids?"
Booth nods non-committedly in response, this entire scenario getting him down.
"See, I don't get that."
He glances up at his partner, a questioning look in his eye. "Get what?"
"Why you need a sidepiece when you're already married. Surely the reason you marry someone is because you don't want to be with anybody else… Why then go and cheat on them?"
"I have no idea," Booth replies honestly. And he doesn't. He can't ever see himself being with anybody other than Bones; she's it for him. Russ had told him as much about Amy when they got married. He scratches the stubble on his jaw. "I still can't believe he'd actually cheat on Amy. I really can't."
"What did the parents say? Did they think he could have been the killer?"
"Not at all. And neither do I," he feels the need to point out quickly. "But, objectively, isn't that a great motive? Mistress threatens to spill the beans about the affair, boyfriend kills her off in order to save his marriage-."
"That isn't what happened."
Surprised, Booth's head snaps up, finding Russ at the door to his office, his hair and outfit dishevelled, looking like he's just been through a hedge backwards.
"Russ." He stands and greets his brother-in-law with hug, clapping him on the back. It's been a long time and the two men have become very close since he and Brennan became a couple. "What's going on with you, man?" He asks, needing to catch up anyway, especially now, with all that's happening with this murder case.
Russ glances over Booth's shoulder and sees all the case files laid out, the images of his lover, both alive and dead. He lets out a sigh. "I take it you know about Abigail."
"Yeah, she's lying on your sister's examination table right now. What the hell happened?"
Aubrey finally stands, keeping a cautious eye on his murder suspect. "Booth, don't you think we should take this into the interrogation room?"
"What? No. I didn't do anything!" Russ cries. "Who is this guy anyway?"
"Special Agent James Aubrey," Aubrey says, holding out a hand for Russ to shake. Unsurprisingly, Russ ignores him. Booth watches as Aubrey swallows, trying to remain cool and collected. "And we have a witness sketch that suggests differently, pal."
Booth steps between the two of them, feeling the need to defend his brother-in-law. "Aubrey. Stop."
"Booth," Aubrey deadpans in the same tone as his mentor, "he was seen dumping the body! Can you ignore something like that? 'Cause I sure as hell can't!"
"Aubrey-."
"I'm the lead on this case," he continues regardless, his hands firmly planted on his hips as he stares down the two family members. "It's my call whether I want to interrogate him and I do. A witness can place him at the scene, Booth! Be rational. I only asked for your help to figure out how to tell Dr. Brennan about Russ' involvement, not for you to run this case for me."
Russ' face pales. "Tempe knows?"
"Yes," Booth responds regretfully. "She's assisting on the case – we had to tell her. But she doesn't believe you did it and neither do I."
Russ pauses for a moment, thinking things through. Eventually, he says, "Can I go see her?"
"Yes."
"No."
"Aubrey! I'm still your superior-."
"I know, Booth. Fire me if you want, but I need to do my job properly and in order to do so I have to interrogate Russ. He's our primary suspect right now – our only suspect."
"Fine, you can interrogate him. I still don't like this though." His expression is surly as he makes it very much clear that he doesn't approve of the vendetta Aubrey seems to be holding against Russ.
"Good. If you'll come this way…" The younger FBI agent leads Russ to the interrogation room, Booth following close behind. Aubrey opens the door for Russ to go in, then half-shuts it, needing a word with his former partner. "Are you going to be able to be objective in there, Booth?"
He sighs ruefully. "Why did I have to train you so damn well?"
Aubrey smirks as Booth skulks into the observation room and he into the intimidating interrogation room.
Booth watches through the one-way mirror as Aubrey begins by questioning Russ about his relationship with Abigail Brooks. His brother-in-law glances self-consciously at where he knows Booth is standing, listening, and explains in a low voice that he and Abigail had been having an affair for the past six months.
He already knew it was true – Abigail's parents had already told him about their daughter's boyfriend – but hearing Russ confirm the relationship with his own ears feels like a knife to the chest. He can already picture the fallout that's going to happen from this and his heart breaks for his sister-in-law and his nieces. Even if Russ doesn't go down for murder, this isn't going to be pretty.
"Was this relationship sexual in nature?" Aubrey goes on to ask.
"Yes," Russ answers truthfully.
Booth winces. This really isn't going to be pretty.
"Abigail's parents informed Booth and Dr. Brennan this morning that you two were in love with each other, can you confirm or deny that?"
"We loved each other, but it was never like I loved Amy."
Booth thinks that last part was directed just for him.
"Was your wife aware of your relationship with Abigail Brooks?" Aubrey presses.
Russ shakes his head ashamedly, his eyes staring straight down at the table, unable to look his interrogator in the eye. A sign of a guilty man. "No, she was not."
"OK." Aubrey finishes scribbling his notes into the case file, then looks back up at the mechanic. "Can you explain why you called yourself Kyle Keenan when you were with Abigail and her family?"
Russ falters, his eyes darting back to Booth, then away again. "That's my real name, Agent Aubrey."
"Your real name?"
"Up until the age of seven, I was Kyle Keenan, Tempe was called Joy. Then, when our parents went on the run, my name was changed to Russ Brennan."
"So why did you use that name with Abigail then? Typically, it would suggest you have something to hide," Aubrey says, his stare hard, firm.
"It just came out when we first met and then I couldn't suddenly tell her that wasn't my name anymore, could I?" He covers his face with his hands and Booth feels really bad for him. Aubrey's interrogation is not letting up and his brother-in-law is getting torn to shreds. Just when Booth thinks it can't get any worse, his friend poses the normal question they have to:
"Do you have an alibi for Saturday night when Abigail was killed?"
"I was alone," Russ answers immediately. Perhaps too quickly, a nagging thought in Booth's brain pops to the forefront. "However, Amy was out with a group of her friends and the girls don't live at home anymore, so there's nobody to verify it."
"So… no?"
"No. I guess not."
Booth grimaces, folding his arms across his chest as he stands behind the one-way mirror. It's not looking good for Russ.
"But I didn't kill her," he swears, his expression desperately pleading with the FBI agent to believe him.
He doesn't and continues to press. "No? Then what were you doing?"
"Watching the football game."
"Which teams?"
"Browns versus Eagles," he responds easily.
"Mmm. Interesting." Aubrey stands up and meanders around the interrogation room. He catches Booth's eyes and the Deputy Director knows exactly what's about to happen. "I was watching that too. Great game," he comments casually, then pins Russ with his stare. "Who won again?"
"Browns."
Booth curses, his eyes squeezing shut. He reopens them warily, watching the scene play out while simultaneously trying to construct an explanation for his wife when he gets home.
"Eagles," Aubrey enlightens him, and then leans onto the table so he's right in Russ' face. "If you weren't watching that game, then what were you doing?"
Russ sits back in his chair. "I may have disposed of the body in the park that night, but I did not kill her."
"That's all right. I can still arrest you for that."
Booth turns around. He can't see Russ getting handcuffed. He just can't. As he stands in the observation room, racking his brain about what to do next, he can't believe this already horrible situation has just got one hundred times worse.
As he opens the front door, the delicious smell of lasagne wafts over to him and he lets out a sigh of relief. After the day he's had, a meal with his family is just what he needs.
"Hiya, Bones," he says, spotting his wife and kids sitting at the table, their heads all twisted in his direction. He throws his jacket on the sofa and walks over to the table to greet Brennan with a chaste kiss. "Sorry I'm late."
"The case?"
"Yeah, yeah. The case." He sits down beside her and lifts the plate to reveal the vegetable lasagne they'd saved for him. "Mmm. Smells good, Bones."
"I helped make it too!" Hank exclaims.
Booth grins and ruffles his son's hair, before spearing the pasta with his fork and popping it in his mouth. He practically moans at how amazing it tastes. While he occasionally misses having beef in the lasagne, he's really come to appreciate his wife's vegetable alternative. "It's great. Well done, sport."
Hank preens, proud of himself, and Christine rolls her eyes. "Show off," she mutters exasperatedly under her breath.
Brennan gives her a disapproving look as she finishes off her meal. "Stop being mean to your brother."
"Well tell him to stop being so annoying," she grumbles.
"Christine!"
"Anyway," Booth begins, steering his children away from an argument he's too physically and mentally exhausted to deal with right now, "what were you getting up to while Bones and Hank were cooking?"
She lifts one shoulder in a nonchalant shrug. "Homework."
"You were not! You were texting your boooyfriend."
Christine glares at her younger brother, while Booth drops his fork to his plate with a clatter. "What boyfriend? I haven't heard of a boyfriend. What's his name? Does he have a record? I think I need to meet this punk-."
"He's not my boyfriend," Christine maintains, cutting off her father's concerned ramble.
"But you want him to be," Brennan teases in a singsong voice. She and Hank high five each other, both of them delighting as the teenager groans and hides her face in her hands.
"So you're not dating him yet, but you want to? I still think I should meet the boy, you know, show him my gun safe. Maybe I should take him to the range, show him what an expert marksman I am."
"Dad." Christine's eyes plead with her parents, her cheeks flushed hot.
"OK, we'll stop now." Brennan switches her attention to her husband as he wolfs the rest of his preferred Italian dish. "How was the rest of your day, Booth?"
He shifts uncomfortably in his chair, chewing the food slowly as he contemplates how to tell his family without hurting them more than necessary. It's inevitable they're going to be upset, but he wants to damage control as much as he possibly can. He pauses. "Russ visited me in my office."
"Uncle Russ is in DC?" Hank asks, excited. He practically worships his uncle. "Awesome! When can we see him?"
"I don't know, buddy." His dark eyes lock with Brennan's, the reason why they can't meet with her brother going unspoken.
She shakes her head frantically, her breathing shortening. "No, no, no! He couldn't-. This can't-."
"I'm so sorry, Bones," he whispers.
"What's wrong? Is he sick or something?" Christine.
"No, no, nothing like that. He's perfectly healthy." He trains his gaze on his wife, needing her to understand something. "It wasn't me, Bones. I promise you. I don't think he did it, but Aubrey-. He didn't have a choice, Bones…"
"What's going on?" Christine and Hank demand almost simultaneously.
Booth rests a comforting hand on Brennan's shoulder, realising he's not going to be able to keep this a secret much longer. Afraid of their reactions, he confesses: "Your Uncle Russ has been arrested."
This isn't looking too good for Russ…
Also, I don't know anything about American football (being the oblivious Brit that I am) so I picked two teams at random when I wrote this chapter over a month ago. I was on Twitter this morning and I realised there was a Browns v Eagles game on today.. What a coincidence!
Review? :)