Thank you for your continued interest in my story.

I don't own Bones.

Oooooooooooooooooooooo

The trial resumed, Hodgins fumed as he watched Michael Stires trying to refute their testimony. "I can't believe this. This guy is like a bad penny. We just can't get rid of him."

Brennan listened intently as her former lover tried to convince the jury that the evidence that had been presented to them wasn't as it seemed. "We will get the opportunity to correct his 'sleight of hand'."

Disgusted, the entomologist crossed his arms and squirmed on the bench. "It's a good thing Booth isn't here. He'd probably beat the shit out him."

Certain Hodgins was wrong, Brennan shook her head and turned to stare at her friend. "No he wouldn't. Booth may not like Michael but he wouldn't hurt him just because he is trying to set the Gravedigger free."

Snorting, Hodgins shook his head. "Yeah right."

Oooooooooooooooooo

Once recess was called, Brennan left the courtroom and called Booth.

"I didn't hear from you this morning."

Uncomfortable, Booth sat back on the couch and used the remote to turn the volume down on the TV. "Yeah, my therapist came right after I woke up and he gave me nothing but lip . . . So anyways Bones, I uh. . . I was watching Court TV and I found out that they're showing parts of the Gravedigger trial on time delay . . . Why didn't you tell me that bastard Stires was the one working for Taffet?"

Observing Hodgins talking animatedly to Angela, Brennan explained. "Because I didn't want you to feel compelled to be here. Everything will be fine. You'll see. He's trying to twist our evidence to make it seem like we did slipshod work, but it won't hold up."

Nervous that Stires might try some of his old tricks, Booth cleared his throat and rubbed the side of his head. "Uh, Bones, I have a huge favor to ask you to do for me. I hope you'll consider it."

Curious, Brennan asked him, "What's the favor?"

Clearing his throat again, Booth glanced at the clock on the wall. "Well, now that I know I can watch the trial, I want to know what's going on . . . Since you've already given your testimony and you laid everything out scientifically the first time, when Caroline calls you back under re-direct, would you . . . uh. . . . would you dumb down your answers so that I can follow what you're saying? . . . You know I don't normally ask you to do that during a trial, but this trial is very important to me and I want to understand your evidence . . . I would really appreciate it. If you could just look at the camera and talk to it like it was me and explain your evidence in simple words I would really appreciate it."

Concerned, Brennan stared at Hodgins as he continued to argue with Angela. "Are you alright? It's true you normally don't ask me to dumb down my testimony during a trial. Why now?"

Staring at the TV, Booth knew he couldn't tell her the truth. "Well, the pain medicine I'm taking makes it hard for me to concentrate . . . Please Bones. Just talk in ordinary words when Caroline starts asking you questions. It would help me out a lot and it won't hurt the trial . . . The jury has already heard all the scientific jargon so it won't kill them to hear it translated into regular words."

She knew he wanted to be there and if this helped to keep him at home, she was willing to try. "I'll try Booth."

Relieved, Booth smiled. "Thanks Bones. You're the best."

The bailiff entered the hallway and asked everyone to return to the courtroom. "I have to go Booth. Court is reconvening."

Speaking as quickly as possible, Booth wished her luck. "I love you Bones. Good luck."

"Thank you." Ending her call, Brennan followed Hodgins back into the courtroom.

Sherman having overheard Booth's side of the conversation, turned his gaze from the TV towards Booth. "Why do you really want her to dumb her testimony down? You seem pretty smart to me and you sure couldn't be head of Major Crimes in the FBI and not be able to understand all that gobble-de-goop that everyone spouts off during trials."

Placing his phone down on the couch next to him, Booth picked up the remote and turned up the volume. "The defense's expert witness has a history of trying to use Bones' genius brain against her . . . I just thought I'd nip that in the bud. Bones can explain things very clearly even when she uses small words . . . She just doesn't like to use ordinary 25 cent words when dollar words are more precise . . . Normally the dollar words are okay, but in this case, the expert witness that the Gravedigger is using is a real bastard and he'll use those dollar words against Bones . . . I figured if I ask her to do it as a favor to me, she might do it. I don't want Stires to humiliate Bones. She won't see it as humiliation . . . but the jury might and I sure as hell want to prevent that from happening if I can."

Amused, Sherman remarked, "You don't like this Stires fella do you?"

Grinding his teeth a little, Booth finally responded. "I hate that bastard. If I could get my hands on him right now, I'd wipe that sneer he calls a smile off of his damn face . . . He's a user and he's unethical as far as I'm concerned."

Oooooooooooooooooooo

Leaving the courthouse, Brennan heard rapid footsteps approaching her from behind. Turning she found her former lover walking rapidly towards her. As she waited, Brennan studied his face.

Stires catching up with his former intern stopped and smiled at her. "So Tempe. You really surprised me. I never thought I'd hear you explain anything so simply. I didn't really think you had it in you. I'm impressed."

Looking him up and down, Brennan frowned at her former teacher and lover. "You're easily impressed then."

Stires gave Brennan the once up and down and used his charm smile. "Well, since my part of the trial is over, how would you like to go to dinner with me? It's been awhile and I thought we could catch up on old times. A lot has happened since the last time I saw you. A best selling author of pulp fiction. That's very impressive, I must say."

Not impressed with Stires invitation, Brennnan shook her head. "No thank you. I have a prior engagement."

Shrugging his shoulders, Stires grinned at her. "Oh come on Tempe. It will be fun. I know we crossed swords four years ago, but that's ancient history. We used to be friends. Can't we be friends again?"

Her antipathy growing as they spoke, Brennan shook her head. "No, we cannot. I use my field of expertise to get justice for the voices that have been silenced by people like your client. What do you do, Michael? As far as I can tell, you use your talent to try to keep those voices silent." Turning she walked down the steps leading to the sidewalk below.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooo

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