They arrived at the hospital hours later and Brennan was rushed into an exam room. Booth followed her, leaving Hodgins with the SUV.
One of the nurses shot a look at Booth and then at her. "Who is he?" she asked.
"Partner," Booth answered, at the same moment Brennan replied, "Ex-partner."
Booth tilted his head and gave her a look that clearly said that would be another thing they were talking about later. Brennan wondered if she should borrow a sheet of paper from the nurse and start a list.
"Go, Booth. Please," she said, suddenly self-conscious. "I really am okay."
Booth crossed the room to take her chin in his hands and tipped it toward him. For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her. "I'll be right outside if you need me," he promised.
Brennan didn't breathe again until he was out of her line of vision. Wearily, she leaned back against the pillow. "Ask your questions," she ordered the nurse.
Nodding, the nurse, Annie, according to her name tag, glanced at her clipboard again. "Your ex-partner," she said, hesitating on the description. There was nothing 'ex' about the two of them if the look in that man's eyes was any indication. "He said you fell about ten feet?"
"Yes, the rock broke beneath my feet. I fell, tumbled down the hill, and broke my lower leg when I hit a tree."
"How long were you out there before they found you?"
"Thirty-six hours," she determined. "I fell early in the morning and they found me late the next afternoon."
"So it's been almost two days since you fell? You're very lucky to be in the shape you are in."
"Yes," Brennan said, looking at the empty corner were Booth had stood. "I am."