Thanks for the readership and reviews! This chapter isn't too exciting - just introductory of Al and his family so you can get a feel for them, so that's the focus as opposed to Brennan and Booth. Hope you enjoy regardless!

Chapter 3: The Pain in the Smile

'So, have you been to Australia before, Bones?' Booth asked, lugging his large suitcase behind and carrying the large winter jacket he had worn onto the plane. The air was hot here, and he was glad he hadn't layered up in DC.

'I have. There have been some amazing anthropological finds, and the Aboriginal communities here are remarkable. Their culture is beautiful - mystical even to me.' She smiled at him. 'I've definitely had some great times here. Have you been before, Booth?'

He shook his head. 'Nope, first time for me.'

'I hope you enjoy yourself here. We can try and do some sightseeing, if you like.'

They left customs and headed out into the terminal.

'Maybe after we absolve your friend of all charges, eh?' He said, before nodding his head into the distance – a tall, blonde man stood waving at Brennan. She looked in the direction Booth had nodded, and grinned broadly, speeding up her pace. Booth kept up with her, watching as Al kissed whom he assumed was his wife on the head, before leaning down to whisper to two children, pointing at Brennan. They both reached the family, and Al enveloped Brennan in a tight hug.

'Thank you so much for coming, Tempe! It's been so long.'

Booth and the wife each stood off to the sides, smiling tentatively at each other. The children looked up at their father curiously.

'Too long, Al. I really should come here more often.'

He released her from his grips, smiling at her broadly. 'You always say that. And then it's another five years before I see you again!' They laughed with each other for a moment, exchanging small talk, before Al turned to Booth, Brennan turning to Al's wife. It seemed there was no jealousy between the two women, which Booth was glad of.

'You must be Seeley Booth!' He extended his hand to Booth, who took it.

'That I am. It's nice to meet you, Alexander.'

He laughed, his eyes alight. 'Please, Seeley, call me Al. Everyone does.'

'Sure, Al.' Booth looked at the two small children – both girls.

'You know, Bones failed to mention you had children.'

'Bones?' He laughed, nodding his head and leaning down to put his arms around the two girls. 'What an apt nickname.' He looked up at Booth. 'And yes, unsurprising that Tempe failed to tell you about my kids. Probably didn't think it pertinent to the case.' He rolled his eyes, but remained smiling.

For an accused murderer with his life in turmoil, this guy is damn cheerful.

'This is Josephine,' he said, standing up and putting his hand on the head of the curly, dark haired girl. 'And this is Elizabeth,' he said, his hand now on the younger, blonde girl. 'But we all call her Ella.'

Booth kneeled down so he was face to face with the girls, extending his hand. Both shook it tentatively, but didn't say anything.

'They're very shy,' Al said, shaking his head. 'Until you get to know them, of course. Then you'll be lucky for a moment's silence.'

Booth nodded. 'I have a son, about Josephine's age. He used to be similar, but he grew out of it.'

He stood up, turning his attention to the wife of Al. She was beautiful, with gentle green eyes and an olive complexion. She too was quite tall, and slender. She smiled at Booth, extending her hand.

'Hello. It's very nice to meet you, Seeley. We greatly appreciate you accompanying Temperance so far from home to try and assist our family. I'm Sarah.' She was soft spoken, her Australian accent not obvious, but still apparent.

'It's not a problem. I'm glad to get out of the states, in fact.' He felt comfortable with this family, and he definitely didn't get the feeling that Al was the type for murder. And he usually trusted his gut.

He stood back a moment, looking at the family as they exchanged pleasantry's, shared jokes that he didn't understand, and just talked. The atmosphere was light, like any happy reunion – he didn't get the feeling that this meeting had any sort of dark element at all.

Despite the warmth he felt for the family, the fact that everything was so... peachy just didn't sit right with him. He decided to remain wary - he didn't want to suspect Al of anything... but there was still that 'but' in his head.

'So,' Al said warmly, 'shall we take you two to our humble abode? You must be absolutely exhausted.'

'That would be great, Al. Though I'm not too tired, and I doubt Booth is, either. We're used to a pretty erratic sleeping schedule.' Brennan said, picking up her bag and carrying it behind her.

'Ah yes, your crime fighting ways would certainly result in many a long night, I'm sure.' Al laughed. 'You know, Tempe, I would have never have picked you for something as dramatic as a forensic anthropologist. You always seemed so happy in the lab.'

She nodded, grinning back at him. 'I can't say I ever imagined it for myself, either. But Booth showed me a different side of anthropology – and so many other things.'

She glanced back at Booth, and gave him the same look that had warmed him on the plane, made him hope. Maybe the Australian sun was making him see things clearer.

The moment passed and she looked back at Al, nudging him in the side. 'I can't say I ever imagined you working in a job as boring as a Professor, Al,' she joked. 'Tell, me, have you had any students correct you, yet?'

A look of pain uncharacteristic to Al's face crossed his features before disappearing, carefully covered by his seemingly carefree smile. 'Just the one,' he said quietly.

Booth figured that that one student had been one of the victims, but he doubted that Brennan would pick up on it. He tensed himself, getting ready to butt into their conversation if things got a bit awkward. Too his surprise, she just nodded, changing the conversation to other aspects of his teaching career.

Seems she does know him really well.

Booth looked at Sarah, who also wore a look of pain on her face, not as well hidden as Al's. He struck up a conversation with her, asking about her time in America, figuring that was at least some common ground between them.

The well hidden pain had made Booth wonder. It hadn't seemed like the pain of one who hated that he'd been accused of a crime and was suffering for it. That sort of pain looked angrier, more aggressive. Yet the pain he had seen appeared more filled with grief, as if they had lost someone close. It felt too him like there was more to the story of the two victims than he had been told.

Guess it's my job to find that story out.

Thanks for reading!