First fanfic. Written for personal enjoyment.

I do not own Bones or any of its , Kathy Reichs and Hart Hanson do.

The Father in the Details

The body of a small child lies upon the stainless steel examination table in the Jeffersonions Medico-Legal Lab.

" Why was I not informed about this earlier, you know how important it is to me that any evidence from the crime scene be handled correctly." Brennen scolded, sliding her id card through the security entrance, ascending onto the platform.

"And good morning to you too, ." Cam said as she finished signing some paperwork before handing the clipboard over to the waiting FBI field tech. " Don't take this one out on me. As you can see we just took possession of the remains, and as for the crime scene, this poor child was discovered three days ago, the local authorities were back logged and shorthanded so it would be a while before a thorough exam would be performed, but as you may or maynot be aware, the 7 year old son of one of the House members has been missing for over a week, sooo it was decided by the powers above that the Jeffersonion would be the best and quickest team to identity these remains as quickly as possible."

Brennen did not like the thought of the Jeffersonions vast resources at the beck and call of the rich an powerful, however logical an accurate their asessment of the teams abilties were. The forensic anthropologist pushed the thought away and focused on the small form laid out before her. The body was desiccated skin and flesh with much of the underlieing skeletal structure exposed. Remnants of what appeared to be childrens pajamas clung ripped and discolored to the corpse. ran a slender blue gloved finger along the mandible, completely focused she, proceeded to move along the whole body

"A cursery examination of the remains suggests male, caucasion, age 5 no more than 6 years of age. This is definately NOT the 7 yr old boy who is missing."

"Hey Bones! Did I just hear you say this isn't our missing kid?! The security pad beeped as Special Agent Seely Booth stepped up to the exam platform. Despite the casual upbeat tone, his eyes were tired and intense. A slight smile passed across his lips when Bones sea blue eyes met his gaze.

"Booth! This was the case that the Director Stark called you into an early meeting for?, she stated more than asked. " Yes. This child is too young." Bones resumed her examination.

" Oh OK then thats actually good news. There was a ransom request made. It was feared that the kidknappers may have decided to cut their losses and run but, since this isn't him there's still hope. I'll inform the Bureau." He reached into his dark navy suit fishing out his phone as he decended the platform. He was soon occupied in conversation."

From behind the stainless table Cam watched Booth for a moment, then satisfied he had had enough time to convey the "good news" she decended after him. She wanted to catch him before he left.

" Agent Booth! Cam's voice was congenial but stern." Booth, now that we have established that this poor child isn't the one everyones so interested in, the FBI will still want us to finish IDing the boy and establishing a COD, right?"

"What? Cam?, oh uh yeah. I mean. Yes, of course! Keep working. Call me when you have something. Alright?", Booth said distractedly before looking up to meet Cams anxious gaze. At that moment the agents phone, still in hand, began to ring. Continuing to face Cam he placed the device to his ear,"Booth...yes sir...I'll be there soon." he gently gripped Cams arm, Booth could see the struggle going on behind those dark brown eyes. Needing to control the sadness and anger, to remain focused, professional. Having known Camille so long, he understood how difficult she found cases like these. And he also understood her need to solve this childs mystery and get justice. "Look, I've gotta get back to the office, tells Bones I had to go, we'll talk later. Maybe lunch at the diner?" He said almost apologeticlly as he backed away before turning completely to walk out of the lab.

Returning to Dr. Brennens side Cam gazed down at the pitiful sight laid out before her. Death. She saw death everyday. As a forensic pathologist it was part of the territory, but it always affected her most when it was a child. Even more so when it was due to violence. How could anyone intentionally harm a five year old, so small and vunerable? She was slowly shaking her head, lips pursed into a frown. She could feel anger welling up in her as her stomach and chest began to knot up. Cam inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. Ok Camille keep it under control. Its just another day at work, another body needing an identity. Needing justice. And they won't get either if you let your feelings get to you. You are a professional. You are in charge! Mental pep talk over went to work.

" Alright then, I'll finish taking samples from the remaining tissues, catalogue any visible wounds and then you may have the bones cleaned. But first Dr. Hodgens needs to check for any particulates. DR. HODGENS! Cams voice rose throughout the lab."Hodgens!"

" Hey! No need to shout ! I'm right here! Just had to drop Michael off at the daycare." The red haired entomologist had a relaxed grin on his face as he entered the secure area of the platform.

" Goood morning Cam, Dr. Brennen," looked up briefly in acknowledgment before returning to examine the tiny phalanges of the skeletal hand she held gingerly in her own. Looking down at the table, the mans grin became a grimace, both sad and angry, "Oh man, sorry, God its kid? Man I hate that! Why is it always the innocent who suffer the most? This kid can't be much older than Michael!" , Jack Hodgens shrugged his shouders as he let out a loud growly breath, as if the action could some how physically remove the emotions stirring inside him. Then, mind centered and focused, he sidled next to Cam and began gathering evidence of insect activity and any other samples he could test. "Hey Cam,where was this little guy, I am correct it is a he right? Judging by the dinosaurs on the pj's., where was he found?"

"According to the police report, HE was found inside a closet of an old condemed house. It was schedualed for demolition. Seems that one of those restoration groups was allowed to go in and salvage anything of architectural signifcance, you know mouldings, doorknobs, fixtures and what have you, anyway, they opened a bedroom closet and found this poor bab...found our victim." Dr. Sayroyans voice was calm but edged with sadness.

"Jack, did you get Michael settled in daycare?" Angela Montenegro-Hodgens stopped at the steps to the platform. " Morning Cam! Morning Bren!"The artists cheeriness was in obvious contrast to the trio gathered around the steel table. One look at the angst in her husbands sapphire blue eyes told her this was going to be the start of a very troubling day.

" Hey guys, why so glo...omy...Oh, oh God, its a child isn't it. And from your grim expressions I'm guessing its especially horrific?"

" I'm afraid your assessment of the situation is correct!", Brennen said with a heavy sigh, "Good morning Angela, I am glad you are here. We will need a facial reconstruction if we hope to obtain an identification. It may be possible to glean some information from his clothing as well" ,the anthropologist said thoughtfully as she stepped up to study the display screen now filled with xray images.

" , I would like to have the bones cleaned as soon as you have completed your examination. Angela, I will have an intern bring you the skull as soon it is available for your reconstruction."

"Greeaat. Note to self, spend lunch with your beautiful baby boy . You know, it's days like these that make me want to run off to Paris." Angela muttered as she turned away from the tragic sight of the childs corpse. Observing his wifes disheartened reaction Jack Hodgens was quick to action.

"Come on Angie," Hodgens gathered up his tray of samples and decended the platform "I'll fill you in on the case." He carried the tray in one hand and wrapped the free one around the beautiful artists waist. She returned the comforting embrace, gently tilting her head against his. The couple left walking towards Jacks bug room.

-A few hours later-

"There are multiple rib fractures across the thorasic, blunt force trauma from being kicked repeatedly, there is a complete fracture of both the ulna and radius on the left arm, as well as a hairline fracture to the left side of the mandible, possibly from a punch or slap with a closed fist. There also appear to be two equal length equadistant cuts to the back of the skull just behind the right ear. I would not speculate how they were made until the bones are cleaned Dr. Sayroyan." Bones reported although she continued studying the displays.

Dr. Sayroyan was placing tissue samples in test trays. She removed the clothing, Hodgins could deal with those, and placed them on a tray. She examined the body, noting the bruised discolored skin that was left on the small chest. Skin around the wrists had lacerations indicating the child had been bound. Finished examining the front of the body, she and an intern gently turned the body over. This area of the body had been against the wall inside the closet and the skin and flesh was less decomposed.

"Oh My God!" Cam gasped, "Have you found something ?", asked. Looking away from the xrays, she followed Cams gaze to the long lascerations that criss-crossed the shoulders and back of the small frame. Twenty-three lash marks had cut thru those dinosaur pjs and deep into the skin. Although Brennen remained silent, an expression of horror was evident on her face. Along with horror though ,was something else ,recognition.

" I...I am going to check Angelas progress with the facial reconstruction. It is very important we find this childs identity as soon as possible." then rushed from the platform. Leaving Cam alone. Regaining her composure the forensic pathologist continued the exam. Moving down to the small of the back she found five perfect circles branded into the leathery dry skin. Finishing up she noted various bruises and abrrasions. Examination complete she released the body to be defleshed. She gathered her samples, closed the door to her office, sat at her desk and allowed herself to silently sob for just a moment, but just a moment. Sayroyan brushed the tear streaming down her cheek aside, she had work to do.

Angela Motenegro-Hodgins day had started so well. She and Jack had enjoyed a little morning romp in the sheets, their adorable son allowed himself to be dressed without his usual fussiness, he even ate his oatmeal without complaint. Yes, her morning had started so pleasantly..now here she was with the small skull of a boy only a few years older than her own ray of sunshine playing in daycare. Who are you little one? Angela had scanned the skull into her computer, eventually, a face was formed, first flesh then skin. Aw you had the sweetest dimples. Next the hair, based on what was found, brown curls. Now then, for the eyes, big and brown. The picture was complete. Angela used the image to search various missing person databases. It didnt take long before the search stopped, match found.

Bones was proud of her ability to distance herself from any personal emotional response to the cases she worked. She had seen atrocious horrors inflicted on innocent victims time and time again. She had learned long ago that emotions could get in the way of the critical thinking she depended on to reveal the stories of those innocents. Stories she knew had to be told. So she built walls made up of logic and fact. Science. These things had allowed her to become the best in the field of forensic anthropology. But somehow over her time with Booth, who relied on his emotional "gut" for guidence, those walls had ,not fallen as much as, changed into something more permeable. Ocassionally she allowed her emotions to lead her rational self to look beyond the hard science and make connections that did not make sense at the moment. Usually, these tangents would ultimatey be proven by empirical data. From the onset, this case had pushed at her heart. Cases that involved the brutal treatment of a child had always kicked at the walls, but now, since becoming a mother herself and gaining a firsthand understanding of how precious, how vunerable and trusting a child so young is, made the violence perpertrated on this boy that much worse. When they discovered the whip marks on his back, Bones walls nearly came down. The wounds were terrible, trauma from the pain alone would have been enough to induce shock and subsequent death. But it was the recollection of having seen that pattern of lash marks, long healed but clearly visible, on bared shoulders that caused an emotional wreckingball to hit those walls. But she had maintained her composure, an emotional outburst would be unprofessional and a waste of valuable time. Time was important now. This killer was out there with all the time in the world to repeat their grisly crime. Any chance of finding them relied on Angela IDing the boy as soon as possible. And it was that rational thought that drove her actions. Leaving the platform, Brennen was soon in the artists work space. There was a comfy sofa with lots of colorful pillows and a throw, an artist easel with Angelas latest creation and many finished works scattered about. At the other end was the Angelatron. This part of the room was more functional, filled with high tech scanning equipment, more screens and displays. A true reflection of Angela herself. Flamboyant, beautiful, and creative on one side intelligent, analytical, and focused on the other.

"Angela?!",Brennen stood beside Angela in front of the Angelatrons huge display. The image of a little boy with curly brown hair and large brown eyes grinned at them from the missing childrens report. Brian Forrester.

"Oh hey Bren, yeah so I just got this hit, he was a cutie too, so sad..he has been missing from the home of his foster family for over three months. I'll call Booth and ...wait ...Sweetie is something the matter?" Angelas voice suddenly filling with concern over Brennens slightly flushed face and the furrowed brows over glassy blue eyes. She knew something toubling was swirling around inside her best friends brilliant mind. Of course, she also knew getting Brennen to let the cat out of the bag wouldnt be easy. Bren gave Angela the briefest of glances before returning her gaze to the display.

"What? Oh, no.I am fine.. I ..I'm just a little tired. Thank you Angela, for IDing the victim so quickly...no need for you to call Booth. I will handle it. Prehaps you should see if needs any help with the boys clothing?" And with that Dr. Brennen rushed out of the room pulling her phone out of her blue lab coat. Angela barely got a somewhat quizzical, "O.K?!" out before Brennen had turned heel and literally ran from her office. Hhm, she can run but she cant hide...something is going on..Angela thought as she glanced back at the child on the screen and then at the time. Oh well, Bren was gone and SHE had a lunch date waiting for her in the daycare. A hug from those little arms would be just the thing to brighten her mood. She left her office for a well deserved break.

After leaving Angela, Bones called Booth with the details. She then found Dr. Sayroyan , informed her of the identification and that Booth would be bring any information the Bureau had on the missing persons case. Finally, Brennen checked on the progress of the bones. Until the bones were available or Booth came she had little else to do. So Bones retreated to the quiet of her office.

" Bones! Hey Babe, I was just getting ready to grab Sweets and head over to the lab, figured he could do his shrinky...wait .. what.? You don't think that would be a good idea? What? Why?.. (you have a feeling.)...OK. OK. Who am I to argue with your genius gut. The boys name is ..Brian Forrester. Okay got it. I'll see what I can dig up on the case then come to the Jeffersonian..Are you okay Bones? ..Okay.. I'll see you soon.. Love you too." Agent Booth hung up the phone.

Special Agent Booth had Agent Shaw pull everything the FBI had on the missing childrens case of Brian Forrester and sent to Angela at the Jeffersonian. Making his way out of his office, Booth noticed Dr. Sweets in the breakroom getting coffee. Normally he would check-in with the young psychologist, make sure he would be available for a bit of profiling or simply drag him off to an interrogation. But not this time. Bones had been clear she did not want the kid shrink on this case... not yet anyway.. not until she could discuss something with her husband first. So this time he slipped past the breakroom without a second glance, boarded the elevator and was soon at the wheel of his black SUV heading to the lab. As he drove Booth pondered how anxious Bones had been on the phone. Must be because this case was about a kid. Maybe motherhood and marriage had softened some of those hard scientific edges of Bones. He knew Brennen had always cared about the subjects of their cases. It was just most of the time that care was deeply hidden behind a facade of clinical professionalism and hard science. But this time, his very rational wife had made a call based on a feeling, her gut! What was up with that? I must be rubbing off on her. The slightest half grin played across Booths face. He liked the idea of that. Booth would have an answer soon enough. He parked the vehicle and entered the Jeffersonion Medico - Legal Lab.

Bones wasn't in her office. Booth found her in the bone room examining the cleaned skull of Brian Forrester. She looked up. Booth noticed tension in his wifes lovely features and concern in those beautiful ocean eyes.

" Booth, before we join the others I need to show you something in my office." Bones gently placed the skull in its proper position then led the way to her office where she closed the door behind them.

" Okay Bones what's goin on? Why all the hush hush? And why didnt you want me to bring Sweets in on this one..." the agent asked calmly. Booth stopped his interrogation when Bones found the file she was searching for and pulled some images up on the computer screen. Booth could see it was the backside of the boys corpse. Despite the decomposition and his less trained eye he could make out lascerations criss-crossing the shoulders and back." That's whip..."

" Whip marks, Booth, aproxomitely twenty-three lashes... there are more injuries, but I saw these and .. Booth .. I just didn't want to expose to something possibly troubling for him." Bones eyes met Booths, he could see how unsure she was.

"Oh no, Bones, you did the right thing...yeah so we can handle this one... there are other profilers at the Bureau." Booth wrapped his strong arms around Bones and swept her into a reassuring embrace. Bones returned the gesture. As the two broke apart Bones met Booths worried stare with a wistful smile letting him know she was better now.

Agent Booth and entered Angelas office where Cam, Hodgens and Angela had been waiting to go over the case. "Okay you two..join the rest of the class so we can get started?" Hodgens chided the couple in attempt to lighten the mood. Cams eye roll in his direction combined with a very pointed stare from his betterhalf made it clear his efforts had not been successful nor appreciated.

Booth took in the image on the Angelatrons huge display. He hadn't taken time to review the case files back at the Hoover Building, after hearing Bones tone over the phone, he had Agent Shaw handle the files, allowing him to leave sooner. This was the first image he had seen of the Brian Forrester when he was alive. Agent Booth was struck by a feeling he had seen this kid before. Not Brian Forester ,but, a kid who bore a strong resemblence. Same chestnut curls, same chocolate brown eyes and even the same damned dimples. [Damn!] Booth scanned Bones face and instantly knew she already had made that connection as well. He then turned his attention to the particulars of Brians disappearance.

" Brian Forrester, age five, went missing three months ago from the backyard of his foster parents, Bill and Janette Newcome. Bill was at work. Janette said she had only stepped inside long enough to answer the doorbell and sign for some mail. When she returned Brian was nowhere to be seen. The backyard was fenced in on two sides, with a hedge butting against a wooded area behind the home. No one saw anyone or anything. The foster parents checked out clean. Brian had only just entered the system because his mother, Dana Forrester, was incarcerated for twelve months for shoplifting charges. Brians father John Forrester is deceased, dying in a car wreck ten months after Brian was born. There were no other family members alive or near to take the boy in so he was in temporary state custody." Angela finished her report then shifted to 3D simulations of the child.

Cam took over. "Toxicology showed traces of alcohol. There were signs of dehydration. Multiple contusions throughout the the thorasic, two equidistant cuts, both a half inch long behind the right ear, twenty-three moderate to severe lacerations in varying lengths overlapping across the shoulders and back. At the lower end of the back five, eight mm diameter circular burns in a pattern similar to a five on a dice. There are also ligiture marks around the wrists suggesting that at some point he was bound. There were no obvious signs of sexual abuse."

"I found copper wire and slivers of the outerlayer of electrical cord in both the wrists and the wounds on his back. There was cigar ash, Im working to pin-point a brand. His pjs were made of one hundred percent cotton, industry standards today require childrens sleep wear be fire resistent so that means they were most likely secondhand." Hodgens filled in.

The image transformed into a skeleton. Bones began her report. As she list the damage to the skeletal structure the corresponding bones would twist, crack or break. "Fractured mandible, greenstick fractures to the ribs, complete fracture to the ulna and radius of the right arm. Two equidistant scrapes on the lower right at the base of the skull."

"Cause of death was shock brought about by extreme trauma." Cams voice became edged with anger ."He was brutally tortured by some sadistic bastard then left to die alone in some old closet. Booth, I hope... when you catch this guy.. he resists arrest just so you can beat the crap out him." Cam said as she passed the Agent on her way out of Angelas office.

"I second that.", chimed Hodgens as he followed Cam.

"Bones you wanna ride along, I'm going to notify Dana Forrester her son died...but if you are busy..", Booth was going to finish with [ I'll take Shaw] when Bones stopped him.

"Of course Booth, I could use a break from the lab." Booth and Brennen left the Jeffersonion and headed to the minimum security correctional unit were Dana Forrester was serving out a twelve month sentence for shoplifting. The meeting went as well as a death notification could go. For his part Agent Booth remained professional but didn't hesitate to offer his sincerest condolences to the young women that was breaking down in front of him and Bones. Dana had made some bad decisions in life, but it was obvious she loved her son. She didn't deserve to lose him so soon and like this.

Bones was relieved to be back in the comfort of Booths SUV and leaving their gloomy task behind. The mothers heartbreaking outpouring of grief reminded her why she preferred the calm of her lab. Booth didn't really need her there to help with the notification, she was keenly aware he was superbly adept at dealing with such tasks. Her partner was an expert at reading people and understanding how to react. It was a talent she so often envied.No, Bones was here to support Booth. Moral support should he need it.

The ride to the correctional facility had been quiet. Now, on the road heading toward FBI headquarters Booth broke the silence. "I'm gonna check Sweets foster father...see if maybe he was parolled early and nobody bothered to tell him. Bones, you agree there's just too many similarities to just be coincidence..right? Booth glanced at Bones for affirmation.

" I suppose that could be a possibility. It is true that both Dr. Sweets and Brian Forrester were whipped and do share similar identifying characteristics as well as having spent some time in the foster system. However, without thorough comparison of both cases it would be difficult to draw a factual conclusion the two are linked. Unfortunately, whipping is not as unusual in cases of torture and abuse as you may think. Physical characteristics such as brown eyes and hair are extremely common.", Bones could feel Booths brief but intense stare of what she guessed was disbelief and possibly annoyance at her completely rational take on the case.

"Really? Earlier you seemed pretty certain there was a connection to Sweets. Concerned enough to not want him involved. Sure it may not be Sweets foster dad, but there's no telling who he shared the gory details with while in prison. I'm going to look into it anyway." Booth said gruffly

"While I admit that my response this morning was somewhat emotional. I assure you, Booth, my concern was more for Sweets psycological well-being then an actual criminal connection to this case." Bones said defensively. Booth relented.

" You know its been a few months...probably too much to hope this is the only victim. I'll have Agent Shaw search for any similar cases." Booths shift of topics did little to lessen the pout on Bones face.

Once inside the Hoover building Agent Booth and Bones were enroute to Booths office when they encountered . The young man stepped into the elevator, his face brightened into a cheerful smile. "Good afternoon, Agent Booth, . Busy morning, huh Booth? But at least they found the kid, right? " For a moment Booth was confused but then recalled the message from Agent Shaw that the politicians kid had been found safe and sound, taken by a disgruntled employee. "Oh yeah, great news!" Booth hoped his cheerful response was quick enough to belie how preoccupied he was with the current case. " Agent Booth?" [Damn] Booth looked at Sweets. His head was tilted just a bit and ever so slightly squinted brown eyes were scanning the agents features.

"Booth? You seem... preoccupied. I assume you are investigating the case of the child they have at the Jeffersonion. You know, I'm available for any psycological insights on the case.." at that moment the elevator doors swooshed open, Booth took Bones by the elbow.

"Yeah, Sweets, gotcha... when I need any shrinky stuff I'll call.." Booth interrupted as he and Bones departed, the elevator the doors closing on a dejected looking Sweets. Bones followed Booths quick pace into his office. She settled into a chair across from her husband.

"You were rather abrupt with Dr. Sweets , Booth."

" I know Bones, but you know how he is, he'd figure out we don't want him on this case just by looking at us. So the less he's around the better right?" He retorted as he tapped the keyboard of his computer.

"Very sound reasoning." Bones shifted in the chair, relaxing a bit and crossing her legs. A few quiet minutes passed between the pair. Booth had to dig a bit before he found the information he needed. But now he had a name and a location. Jason Andrews, the prison. Booth made a call to the facility.

" Jason Andrews that's correct, he should be serving a 28 year sentence...oh ok well ..can I have the date he was transferred? Yes..and thank you for your help Warden." Booth ended the call.

"So Booth did everything check out?" Inquired Bones.

"Actually, I'm not sure yet." Booth was placing another call. Bones gazed quizzically at her husband as she listened in to the exchange occurring on the phone.

"...so Andrews was transferred to your facility because of health reasons? Seizure.. huh. Ok well that definately answers my question. Yes, thank you.. good bye." Booth ended the call tossed the phone on his desk. Leaning back into his leather desk chair he stretched his arms up, placed his hands behind his head then did a head roll to release the tension bulit up in his neck and shoulders. He brought his arms back down resting his hands on the desk.

"So one Jason Andrews ,aka Sweets foster dad, was serving a 28 year sentence... he was at the maximum security facility for the last twenty-one years, until a little less than a year ago, when he was tranferred to a minimum security medical facility. Seems he was involved in a fight in which he received pretty severe blow to the head, that caused seizures that have rendered him unresponsive and in need of constant care." As the final words rolled off Booths tongue he let out a deflating sigh. "You know Bones, I'm glad that its obvious this guy couldn't have a connection to this case directly, but I still wonder if maybe he could have inspired someone else, someone who was released maybe." Booth was in thinking mode, twirling a pen around his fingers as he concentrated, ".. but much luck getting any info out of Andrews." he mumbled scowling a bit.

Brennen had been a silent audience to her partners musing, she enjoyed watching Booth "thinking". Unlike her own death-like stillness while she formed theories and conclusions, Booth fidgeted, paced, stretched, mumbled to himself and sometimes even swung a hockey stick around, she found it quite endearing.

"In order to compare the two cases it would be nessecery to open Sweets case file." This matter of fact revealation got the Agents attention. Booth seemed to be weighing his options. Bones was right they needed that file. Basic information like Andrews name and conviction were public domain. But the details of such a case were sealed, requiring a warrant. A warrent would be difficult to obtain on a hunch. There was another avenue available, though he was loathe to use it, talk to Sweets about personally requesting the files. His distaste for that option must have been very evident on his features because even Bones picked up the cues. "It would be difficult .." his wifes blue eyes met with his. Bones was going to finish her thought but a knock at the door interrupted her, another rapping on the door and then the familiar tone of the psychologist voice, "Uh, Agent Booth?.." had said through the now cracked door..."is it ok?.. obviously trying not to barge right in.

"Yeah, Sweets c'mon in." Booth called in a weary tone." What's up?"

The young man stepped up to Booths desk, a manilla folder in his hand,

"Oh nothings up...", a quick, disarming grin crossing his face, " Agent Shaw asked if I could bring this to you, I believe she was on the phone to her sons school, he got sick, said she would return as soon as he was taken care of." He set the folder down. "So..how is the new case going? Have you ID'd the victim yet? Any leads?"

Despite the attempt to sound like casual chit chat, Booth could hear Sweets eagerness to jump in and lend a hand. It was time to find out how eager.

"Actually, we have an identification, Brian Forrester age five."

Booth glanced at Bones, he had made the desicion to bring the shrink into the case on his own... and could feel his partners disapproving stare boreing through him. Too late to turn back now.

"I gotta warn you Sweets the details of his death are pretty gruesome...and ... well you'll understand when you see." Booth picked up the file of Brian Forrester and handed it to the psychologist.

Sweets took the file then sat down in the chair beside Dr. Brennen , opening the folder he made quick work of it, his chocolate brown eyes scanning the pages of various reports and photos. Eyebrows furrowed deep in concentration. He was lost in the details of the file. Seemingly oblivious to the two sets of eyes watching intently as he studied.

The biting of his lower lip and deeply concerned look the only indicators that Booth could mark as a tell that Sweets was disturbed by what he read in Brian Forresters file. He wondered what was going through the young mans mind when he saw the lash marks in the lab photos...Booth was suprised he couldn't read his colleague better. Sweets was playing it close to the vest.That bothered Booth.

Brennen was upset with her partner for making the decision to bring Sweets in on the case without even discussing it with her first. But what was done was done and no useful purpose would be served by dwelling on such feelings. Currently, her attention centered on the man seated in the chair to her left. Despite the stylishly taylored suit, he gave the appearance of a lanky youth cramming for a final exam. The pace with which his long fingers flipped through the material suprised Brennen. She remembered how she had once chastised him for being a slow reader.Prehaps my original observation had been wrong. She could not discern any notable changes in his emotional state, although her grasp on the subtle physical nuances of human emotion was tenuous at best. So she ,like Booth, waited until he finished.

Sweets had been grateful when Agent Shaw had asked him to deliver the file to Booth. It was a legitimate reason to visit the Agent. As opposed to my original "just popping in.." lameness.He had nothing to do for the rest of the day and hoped Booth could use him on the current case. He didn't know much about it, a young child found in a closet of an old Victorian. Sweets shuddered ever so slighty. He knew a little about the dark loneliness a locked closet could impose. He felt his own unfortunate past could give the team invaluable insights into this killer. That's why when Booth shot down his offer of help in the elevator he had resolved to try again. That's why he was coming off that same elevator at just the right moment to run into a worried Agent Shaw so anxious to get to her son she enlisted "the shrink" to deliver the file to Agent Booth. A task he gladly excepted. He had knocked on Booths doorA courtesy Booth often neglected to return.and received a slow invitation inside. Once in, he noticed both of them seemed tense, and wondered if he had interrupted something. God am I glad I ran into Shaw and have this file! Sweets set down the information, and casually began "chatting" about Booths newest case. Don't seem too eager.

It worked! That's how he came to be sitting in Agent Booths office pouring over the file of one Brian Forrester. Well this explains Booths reluctance to invite him in on the case. Better than the self-depricating reasons I had entertained earlier. I guess. Once he had completely digested the entire file he remained silent for moment collecting his thoughts and preparing for the enevitable comparisions Booth and Brennen would make between him and the poor kid. But any connection was improbable. Andrews was imprisoned.

"Well, Sweets?" Sweets eyes shifted up from the papers and met Booths anxious stare. Without answering, the young man straightened in the chair then placed the file on Agent Booths desk. He also gave a sidewards glance to Brennen who wore same look of concern she had had while she studied him studying the file. He drew in a deep breath then began," Agent Booth, , there is no question that the person who committed this crime is full of rage, shows no reverence for life, derives pleasure through..."

"I know Sweets, the guys a monster, I need to know what YOU think about the details of this case." Booths tone was firm but soft at the same time.

"I understand that you may see a few similarities between myself and this case, Agent Booth but, really its improbable..." Sweets started.

" A few? Sweets look at the picture, the age, in foster care, and then there's the wh... injuries." Booth stopped there. He knew Sweets saw it all, he just didn't want to see.

"Yes, Agent Booth I saw the pictures, read everything... and that's just it... what that child suffered...," Sweets looked down shaking his head slightly, " all of those things... did not happen to me.."

Booth was stunned by what he was hearing. Not the actual words. But the sense of uncertainty that laced itself around the declarative statement. The Agents gut was sensing something was amiss.Can it be the brillant kid shrink dosen't remember everything? He was what only four ..five..it could be possible.

"And your positive about that?" Booth moved from behind the desk and leaned against it, directly in front of a increasingly agitated Sweets.

"Of course! I'm sure... I think I would remember if ..all... of that had happened." He spat the words out angrily." So see no connection."

"Really? Because I'm not so sure.." Booth threw back.

The exchange between Booth and Sweets had become uncomfortablely heated. Bones wanted to bring both men back to the case at hand.

" Dr. Sweets, I am sorry if the facts of this case have caused you any emotional turmoil. It was presumptuous of Booth and I to make conclusions about your past, based on our limited knowledge of it." Her words stopped both men. Booth looked at his wife and partner, she had interrupted him! And was making apologies on his behalf? He felt a bit betrayedPayback for not consulting her no doubt. Sweets stopped glaring at Booth. Turning to face Brennen his mood lightened noticeably, one did not take an apology from the usually stoic Brennen lightly.

" Uh..thank you.. for ..understanding ..and the apology. I'm sorry too." he looked back at Agent Booth. " I understand...but really the only injury we have in common are the ...lash marks." And the closet let's not foget that. He hoped that was enough to convince Agent Booth to move on. The look on Booths face though remained skeptical.

"Ok. Fine..easy way to settle this ..Sweets, I want you to request your case file be opened to me, we can make a true comparison of the facts...memory withstanding ..and move on." Booth dropped into his chair as he announced his ultimatum.

Bones was giving Booth a withering look, he wasn't helping her to diffuse the tension at all. Although she had to concede getting the files would help resolve the questions. Dr. Sweets stood up, as if he was going bolt from the room. Instead he rubbed his forehead for a few seconds before rakeing his fingers back through his dark curls.

"Fine, Booth I'll release or request whatever files you feel you need to see."

- the next day back at Booths office,early morning-

All the requests had been made, and authorizations cleared. Booth was busy at his computer attempting to find case files and reports for Sweets. He made a few phone calls too. What he was finding was infuriating him. He snatched up his phone and placed a couple of more calls.

Dr Brennen knew something was wrong when she received Booths early morning call. She had just settled into her morning work routine herself and doubted Booth would have had time enough to thoroughly review Dr. Sweets files. Booths aggravated tone confirmed her suspicions. She rushed out of the lab to meet Booth in his office. It was quiet in the FBI building, well quiet until she came close to her partners hallway. She could hear two very familiar voices arguing. Bones opened the door to find Booth pacing around and Sweets standing leaning against his hands down on the desk, head hung down, in a defeated pose, but his tone was steady even as his voice rose through the office.

"I told you, Agent Booth, I made the appropriate requests..how should I know how the files were destroyed or when. I honestly never looked into those files before...better left in the past.. so no. I have no clue why they would be gone!"

"Booth, what does mean gone?" This did not sound good.

Agent Booth, sat down at his computer, turning the monitor so Bones could see the error codes and "files not found".

He proceeded to go into other databases, courts, child welfare services, medical database. Each time the file was completely gone or grossly incomplete.

"I even called to see if I could get the hardcopies. But it seems they have all been misplaced or destroyed as well. What the hells going on?"

Sweets flopped down into a chair, letting out a heavy sigh, " Pelant...had to be.. he is the only person who would have pulled this off.."

frowned, "Are you implying that Chistopher Pelant killed Brian Forrester as well, Dr. Sweets?"

"What? Oh no..depending on when the files were destroyed...I believe it was just another way for Pelant to attack...me..you know have me killed... destroy records of my exsistence... my work." Sweets was angered by how deeply Pelants "games" still affected all their lives despite having been dead for nearly two months. "The fact that this case came up is probably coincidental.

"Yeah, but why just the files from your childhood?" Booth wondered.

" Prehaps he did not have an opportunity to finish. And attacking recent information would have a called attention to him he did not want. Angela should look into the technical aspects." Brennen suggested.

"I guess.",said Booth " but now what do we do without those files?" The three sat in silence for few moments. Bones was first to break it.

" I believe I may have a solution, but it would rely heavily upon your cooperation . A forensic examination of your skeletal structure as well as examination for scarring that would be documented and compared to the trauma found on Brian Forrester." She suggested cautiously.

" Hey that's an idea Bones, what do you say Sweets, its just Bones..."

"Well actually Booth it would be and myself...she is in charge of the lab and is more profecient in matters concerning skin and flesh." Bones interjected.

" No." Sweets voice was quiet, "I... can't...I.."

Booth leaned forward, "Look Sweets, you know if there was any other way we would do that. But this is what we've got."

"I will get Cam to clear the lab, Sweets. It will not take much time." gently assured him.

" No." Sweets started to get up to leave, Booth quickly picked up the file and pulled out the picture of grinning Brian Forrester, leaned across his desk thrusting the picture in front of the young mans face.

"You said you wanted to help... so help." Face to face with the victim, Sweets felt compelled to relent.

"Fine." It was a defeated, angry word shoved through gritted teeth. The chair creaked as the psychologist flopped back into it.

Bones was immediately on the phone, consulting quietly with Cam about her plan, the delicate nature of the task, the need for privacy and how those goals would be met. Conversation over, Brennen spoke as she stood gathering her jacket and purse,

"The preparations are being made. I will go now, I have a few things to get ready as well, Booth, , I will expect you at the lab by 10am., and I will have the lab cleared by then." She gave them a goodbye nod then hurried out.

-Jeffersonion Legal Medico Lab-

Camille Sayroyan took the vibrating cell phone from the pocket of her cobalt lab coat, when she saw whose face was lit up on the screen her own features lit up with a beautiful smile. The pathologist wandered into her office as she put the device up to her ear.

"Good morning sleepyhead," she teased then chuckled at Aristoos response, something about it was her fault for keeping him up all night.

"Lunch? Sounds wonderful, so where?," She laughed again, her elegant features blushed at her boyfriends suggestion lunch in bed. My god! I'm like a giggling schoolgirl. But hell, why not enjoy the perks of a young romantic man.

" Sounds wonderful, I'll call you before I leave...oh wait I'm getting another call its Dr. Brennen, I need to take this...I'll call you back... love you.", Camille tapped the screen, "Hello ...I see.. oh my, well yes of course I understand, I will send everyone out for an extended lunch, reward for their hard work, can I ask who? ..but why? Okay fill me in when you get here." Now that was unexpected. She sighed then hit call under the profile pic of Aristoos smiling face, that lunch date would have to wait, " Hey yeah...so ..I'm sorry but something very important just came up I'm afraid I won't be able to do lunch...I know, me too..I'll be so busy I'll probably just have a powerbar or something..how about we make dinner plans instead? Great!..Thanks for understanding...now go do something fun its your day off!", Cam chuckled and shook her head, as he whined he was trying to do something fun. Now she had a lab to clear, she strolled into Angelas office, the artist was at a computer, sorting through images of clothing labels, no doubt to see if the pjs were special.

" Hey Cam, what's up?", Angela had noted her bosses determined visage and purposeful stride, she was in boss mode.

"Angela I need your help, it seems that a few executive board members are coming into the lab around 10am, they want to have a meeting, look around a bit, anyway I've decided that it would be best if the lab was cleared of staff until the meeting is finished, do you think Hodgens and yourself could help keep everyone away, just a few hours, til 1 pm, take an extended lunch, the Jeffersonion will pick up the tab.. but don't mention budget meeting, don't need people worrying over budget cuts or their jobs, just say its in recognition for their hardwork." Cams coffee brown eyes beamed as she smiled at her co-worker.

"Recognition of hard work, huh?", Angela was dubious. Smile all you want Cam but somethings up.But Angela didn't feel like arguing and a long lunch would be nice. "Okay, Cam, Hodgens and I will round up the kiddies and keep them about Brennen? Is she even here? I haven't seen her yet."

" was with Booth, last we spoke, I explained this to her as well, so I don't imagine she is interested it meeting a bunch of business execs." Cam turned to leave, "Thank you Angela!"

Angela watched her boss exit the scene. She checked the time 9:30am time to get this brunch started. She picked up Jack from his bug room, explained their mission and they set about herding the few lab techs and interns towards the doors. The offer of free food made the task a breeze. By 9:55 the gaggle of excited lab geeks were gone. The lab was completely devoid of life, well except Hodgens office, tons of life in there, but every person was gone save .Sayroyan patiently sat at her desk, waiting for her "patient" to arrive.

The ride over to the Jeffersonian was agonizingly tense. Normally Agent Booth relished the moments of silence, that were few ,when the talkative doc was a passenger in his SUV. But the kid hadn't said more than three words since Bones had left ahead of them, choosing instead to communicate in shakes and nods of his head. I understand he's pissed about the intrusion into his private life.. Pelant strikes again! Bastard! And he's obviously not too keen on me either right now, hhmm I'll make it up too him... important thing is the case..solve the case.. then patch up hurt feelings later. He felt relief as he swung the black vehicle into the parking space, finally here , he relaxed a bit, unbuckled, the door creaking as he swung it wide. Before he jumped out he noticed Sweets hadn't made any move to release the seatbelt, he was still posed elbow propped against the window, right hand balled into a fist holding up his head, three fingers of his left hand tapping away on his left thigh to some imaginary beat. Big brown eyes staring through the windshield at nothing. He had been that way the entire trip.

"Sweets!? Hey, look I know your not happy about this, but let's just go get it over with right? Now get out of the car! Come on." Booth hoped that came across more caring than it seemed. Either way, it worked, the FBI shrink was departing the SUV.

Booth made his way through the lab doors ahead of the psychologist but waited, the doors swooshed open as the young man ambled inside. The pair set off towards Brennens office. She met them at the doorway,

" if you will follow me, I have made the proper adjustments to the xray equipment, since your living and not thousand year old remains, now you will be perfectly safe." Sweets followed as she continued talking about issues of safety...Booth watched them go, then made a beeline for Cams office.

"Camille." Booth said, he knew it irked her.

"Seely...don't call me that" the forensic pathologist shot back from her desk. Cam sat with toned arms folded over each other, she looked up at Booth,

"Now mind telling me why I cleared my lab, why we are examining Sweets? Dr. Brennen mentioned something about files destroyed and Pelant. What's going on?" Booth settled into a chair opposite Cam and related the entire story so far. When he finished he noted the womans response.

"Wow, that..that is a lot to take in, so you believe what may have happened to could be connected to the current case of Brian Forrester? But you said his foster dad is definately locked away, so what?...Do you think Pelant could have.. " her perfectly arched brows furrowed in thought.

In the xray department of the lab, Brennen directed Sweets, who had dressed down to a white undershirt and a pair of shorts, to lie down on the table of a large piece of scanning equipment, he complied silently and remained still as the equipment hummed to life. After several minutes returned from the control room, " That concludes this part of the examination , you may report to Dr. Sayroyan now." The anthropologists matter of fact professionalism was actually a comfort to Sweets. He worried more about the next part.

Sweets gathered his up his professional attire. He felt awkward walking across the lab in just shorts, a tee and sock feet. That feeling increased as he met Agent Booth leaving Cams office. God he hated this!

"See there Sweets, now that didn't take long!" Booth said as he passed. Sweets just locked Booth with what he was pretty sure was a "go to hell" look, before shuffling through door. Booth just shrugged it off.

Cam stood at the rear section of her work space, she had placed a tall metal stool with a black vinyl cushioned seat beside the stainless steel examine table she used with her usual customers. It was within reach of the lights and the magnifiing glass she often used. She was nervous, she dealt with the dead not the living. Also this was a someone she was friends with. Through the years she had grown quite fond of their FBI shrink. Despite his youth he had proven himself time and again to be an excellent profiler and therapist. She had even survived his romance with intern Daisy Wyck. She had gone to him for advice dealing with co-workers as well as her daughter Michelle. He was always there when she had needed an attentive ear. But now she thought how little the pyschologist ever opened up to her about things in his life. She knew he had been in the foster system then adopted, she knew via Daisy that both his parents had passed on before he started at the Bureau. She also knew he played piano quite well and most recently discovered his Chessmaster past. But when Booth revealed that Sweets had scars similar to the victim she understood that there was so much more she didn't know. And here he was now, just inside the doorway, his suit draped over his long arms, a pair of very stylish leather shoes dangling from two fingers of his right hand. His look was a combination of embarassment and anger. Anger at who? Not me I hope.

" come in, just set those on the couch...okay...first off let me assure you that anything ..." pausing as she pushed the door shut and motioned for the man to sit on the other end of the couch. She eased into her desk chair then swiveled to face the doctor. Sweets had done as asked, she turned to find him wringing his hands, looking past her and around the room. In fact it was pretty obvious he was evading her direct gaze. She continued,"... anything that I find through this exam is completely confidential.", at the word Sweets locked eyes with her before rolling his then looking away again. I know exactly how you feel, as a victim of identity theft, I know nothing is really private anymore. pushed on. Asking him to sit on the stool. Which he did.

"Okay, I'm afraid you will need to remove your shirt." He sighed, then pulled off the tee. Cam positioned herself behind him and adjusted an overhead lamp. In the bright light, the scars that criss-crossed from shoulder to shoulder stood out. Cam felt herself gapeing and closed her mouth. She began to count..twenty-two, twenty-three...damn! O..okay I need for you to lean forward a bit.." she felt a slight flinch as she gently placed her gloved hand on his back to guide him forward until she could get a clear view of his lower back. At first it appeared there may not be anything to find when she noticed the faint white circular scars she counted ..three, four..five...damn!

"Alright, you may sit back up...she gently brushed back the umber locks of hair behind his right ear, the lines were faint, but there they were two equidisdent lines. turned to fill in her findings, usually she would use a voice recorder but she decided Dr. Sweets might not enjoy a play by play listing of his injuries over the years. The forensic pathologist came around to face Sweets, but he gazed down at his lap. She took a gloved index finger and gingerly lifted the young mans chin until he had to look her directly in the eyes, " ..Lance ..your okay?" It was both a question and an assurance. "Mmm huh." Came his closed mouth response. Satisfied he was fine, she continued her search, a slightly raised scar about an inch long revealed itself as she moved away her finger.

"Got it when I attempted to jump a creek on my bike. I was eleven." Cam almost jumped at the sound of Sweets voice he had been so quite. Nice to see him relax a little.

"It had been a really awesome jump, but the landing went so totally wrong, ...handlebar caught me right there.." he seemed lost in the memory for a moment.

"That happens when people try to be Evil Knevil." She shot him a grin as she studied his chest and torso. Noteing the scars left by the bullet wound Agent Sparling had inflicted a few years back. She took his right arm by the hand, lifting so she could examine it, as she turned it so his wrist would be up.

"Who?" Cam stopped, and met Sweets quizzical look with momentary confusion. "Who is Evil Knevil?"

"Oh uh you know the stuntsman ...always jumping things on his motorcycle? Hm was it that long ago? Wonder how much I'm dating myself with that reference. Is he really too young to remember that guy? , Cam picked up a small flashlight like device that emitted various types of light under which minute details stand out and turned back to exam Sweets upturned forearm.

"Oh yeah thats right." Sweets said "He's the guy who wanted to jump the Grand Canyon ,right? " Again Cam paused for moment to think, then without looking up nodded "Uh huh". Whats up a minute ago he barely said a word and now he wont shut up. She glanced up, though the banter had been cheerful, Sweets face was anything but relaxed. Deep brown orbs under furrowed brows were transfixed on the arm she held with her gloved hand. His lips were parted and he was inhalely and exhaling in a slow controlled manner. Son of bitch, he was trying to distract her with small talk! Why? She returned to the examination. With the lights assist she could make out very faint lines wrapping around the mans wrist. Almost unnoticeable by regular light. As she moved the light upward, Cam felt a slight tug as Sweets pulled his arm back, but she held firm. She proceeded to move the light over the inside of his forearm. A thin white line began about two inches from his wrist and snaked almost six inches up his arm. Beside it a second shorter scar. Cam quickly took up his left arm finding similar scars there too. Cam stood there holding both arms up by his wrists. Cam noticed the arms she held had were trembling, "My God...Lance...", lifting her gaze Cam was startled when Sweets suddenly jerked away from her grasp folding his arms against his stomach. The young mans head was down and his shoulders stooped. As if he were giving himself a hug. Cam could hear the once controlled breathes becoming faster and shorter, he was shakily rocking back and forth. Dear God how do I handle this? Cam could see the beginnings of a panic attack and knew she should help the doctor to calm down. But she didn't know what to say. On the one hand, her motherly self wanted to just wrap him in a big hug and tell him that none of that changed how anyone would see him. That he was overeacting. But her own emotional response to this new found knowledge belied that. The thought that this brilliant young pyschologist in front of her ,to whom she had divulged secrets and trusted with the emotional well-being of her staff, her family and herself, had attempted to end his life ...angered her. Why? It wasn't because of the act itself, he had his reasons, but that in all the years they had worked together, been friends...like family. Not once had the pyschologist who perscribed talk therapy to heal emotional ills, to communicate honestly. Not once had he opened up to her about his past in a meaningful way. Her dark brown eyes were wet and hot with unshed tears. She wanted to ask questions. When? Where? And most importantly. Why? But confronted with the distraught person in front of her all she managed was a very weak, "Oh Lance...its okay." she wanted to say more, something better, but was interrupted by the low whispering voice of Sweets speaking, as if to himself.

"No! Its not Okay! No one needs to know, none of you, needed to know about ...this. These ...these are mine.." the pyschologist finally raised his head as he spat out the last word in anger tinged with shame. Chocolate brown eyes gleemed as tears pooled before falling down flushed cheeks. Cam was held by his gaze as he continued, "I...I made a mistake once...and I hurt the people who loved me...cared for me so much..and I..did th-this! " He hung his head once again, staring at his now out stretched arms.

"I had hoped you wouldn't notice..no one ever does. My parents.. they had a specialist..in reconstructive surgury...make corrections..did a great job leaving such fine lines...no ones ever noticed...not even Daisy.", Sweets shot a glance at the forensic pathologist as a he gave a sneer and rolled his eyes, "Should've figured ..you.. would catch it..." he let out a tired sigh and ran both hands through his dark brown locks as he seemed to gather his thoughts. He had taken control of his breathing and was calmer. Cam was suprised and stung by the barb but remained quiet. She could tell he wasn't through. When he began again his voice had modulated, it had become gentle, soft and almost soothing. Cam recognised it as the same tone he used to sooth upset witnesses or gain the trust of a suspect. Convince her to give Daisy another shot.

"You know , you really don't have to tell Agent Booth or Dr. Brennen right?...I mean there is no reason to..this has nothing to do with the case...I ..did ..this." Sweets rational argument continued to flow out "You can understand,can't you? How ...difficult it would become if my patients or the Agents with whom I work knew about this part of my...past. I have worked so hard..." now the controlled tone was losing out to a rising panic, "...its taken so much to get here... Please ...I'm sorry...sorry you had to learn about it...like this...I know I must seem ..foolish..weak...", tears were threatening to fall again. "...it was a stupid thing ...I was stupid...I'm so stu.."

"Just stop! Stop..",Cam ordered, the dam had broke and tears were streaming down, Cam gripped Sweets hands, "...you are not stupid...okay? Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has a right to privacy. So...as long as these scars have no correlation to the Forrester case I will keep this to myself. However, at some point you and I will be having a long discussion. I have a few questions I'd appreciate answered. But for now we will keep this just between us. Okay?"

A wide-eyed Lance Sweets felt a wave of relief wash over him ,as well as the warmth of compassion his friend was expressing for him. " Thank you.", he said as he slipped down from the stool, released from Cams grip, he wrapped his long arms around the Pathologist toned shoulders in a gentle friendly embrace which much to his relief she did not reject but returned in kind. All the tension from seconds earlier seemed to melt away.

Aristoo couldn't help but feel disappointed that his lunch plans had fell through. He loved spending every moment he could with the gorgous and brilliant . He was a hopeless romantic so the desicion to suprise his girlfriend with a lovingly prepared lunch was an easy one. His lady deserved more than some old powerbar. As he made his way into the lab Aristoo was suprised by the emptiness of the place. To have such a busy day of work no one seemed to be working. The thought struck him Cam might not even be here, but as he drew nearer her office he could see the lights and hear her voice. She must be dictating her findings. Wanting to suprise her he gently turned the doorknob and pushed the door open holding up the small red cooler bag that held their repast.

"Lunch is ser..wait what hell?..Cam what's going on? ...Dr. Sweets ?..", Aristoo had walked in to find his beloved Camille embracing the young FBI psychologist, as the pair broke apart he noticed a distinct lack of clothing on the man. Aristoo dropped the arm with the cooler and let the bag hit the floor. Noticing Sweets clothing on the end of the couch he snatched the jacket up and shook the ball of cloth in Cams direction. "So this is your idea of a working lunch hm? What exactly are you working on?" His face was flushed with anger and hurt.

"Oh no, Aristoo, what are you doing here? Oh no, wait, its not what you think", Cam stepped closer to her love, "this" she glanced toward Sweets who was in the process of pulling his tee shirt over his head while mumbling something to the affect of ( "I'm not believing this..") " this is completely innocent." She maintained an even reassuring tone, she could see confusion and disbelief persisted in Aristoos mahogany eyes. He stood in the doorway and continued to glare at Cam and Sweets in turn.

"Really?! Innocent? Then maybe Sweets will tell me what innocent reason he has for being half naked , with his arms around the woman I love in an empty lab? I think I have a right to know what's going on!". He was nearly shaking with anger as he made his demands. Sweets had moved toward the couch and was hastily gathering up his clothing and shoes. He had had enough of the intrusions and accusations. Sweets stepped towards the door.

"You are wrong, Mr Vaseri, on two fronts, one there is nothing going on between and myself..for Gods sake, she's like a sister to me and second what WAS going on IS none of your business! Now, if you will release my jacket I'll get out of here so you can apologize to Cam for doubting her integrity." The cold harshness of the words spoken, combined with a look of anger that seemed to equal his own, shocked the intern. Staring into the younger mans unyeilding gaze he saw no hint of guilt...only anger. As a result he gave no resistence as Dr. Sweets took his jacket and brushed past him. Left alone now with Cam, Aristoo turned to find she had edged up to his side. Her lovely features full of concern. "Camille...I'm sorry..I thought...", his deep voice was soft and apologetic. Cam stopped him, " Oh Aristoo, I understand what you thought you saw, but believe me I was just comforting a friend...okay?..And everything that went on prior to your arrival was purely professional. And no I can not tell you why. Promise me you'll keep presence here confidential?" Cam gently placed her palm against his cheek leaning into him until their foreheads touched, maintaining her passionate gaze then brushing his other cheek with a soft kiss. All thought of anger and jealousy evaporated as he enveloped his dark beauty in his embrace. Whatever it was that he had stumbled upon he was certain it was indeed innocent. "I understand. I promise."

Cam smiled, "I assume that's lunch in the bag? I'm starving. But first I have some business to finish here. If you don't mind waiting a bit maybe we could meet in the rose garden?"

"Of course I don't mind, just call and I'll meet you there. Until then..", Aristoo took her hand and stole a quick kiss then left.

Cam sighed as she watched the love of her life retreat in defeat. Then a smile crept across her features as she thought about how she would make things up to him later. The thought fleeted away when she noticed the blue silk tie hanging over the arm of the sofa, partially stuck between the cushions. Time to finish this. She rescued the tie from its trap and strolled toward Dr Brennens office.

This is a seriously wretched day. After leaving Cams office Lance dashed into the nearest restroom to get dressed, maybe regain a bit of dignity before heading into Brennens office. Pants, shoes, belt, dress shirt, tie. Where the hell is my tie? "Arrgh!" He just wanted to get dressed, get this over with. Looking at his reflection he took stock of the man staring back. His eyes were rimmed red from that embarrassing episode of crying in front Cam. His tousled brown hair seemed a bit too unruly. Leaning over the sink he splashed cool water on his face, then ran his hand through his hair attempting to reign in the stray locks. The last thing he wanted was Booth and Brennen to dig into what happened in Cams office. He knew Cam meant what she said about keeping his little secret just that. But, he also knew B&B could be very persuasive. Hell that's part of the reason I'm here. Best to calm down, put up a good front and get the Hell outta here. Straightening up he grabbed the dark grey jacket and slung his lanky form into it. Scowling as he noted its crumpled appearance Damn Aristoo! He ran his hands down the jacket straightening the lapels and smoothing down pockets. One more look in the mirror, looking calm and collected he was ready now.

Booth was bored. Bones was at her desk completely engrossed in her asessment of Sweets scans. He wanted to ask what she thought but knew she would balk at making any conclusions until she had completed her comparisons. Instead he sat down on the couch took out his phone and placed a call to Agent Shaw. No new leads or developments to report since he had left the office. Hanging up, Booth scanned the area for something to read. All he found were a few very scientific looking journals. He opted for the only one that had a picture on the front cover, of some early human ancestor. As he flipped through the less than exciting articles, Booths thoughts wandered to how complicated this case was becoming. Pelants hacks into Sweets records had been thorough. It had to be Pelant, I mean who else would it be? The hard copies of files pertaining to his times in the foster system could not be found, a computer virus had hit their system wipeing out files that included those of Lance Sweets. His physicians computer system had suffered similar problems as well an unfortunate fire that destroyed most of the office. System after system had been hit, even court records, the basic records exisited but were incomplete, the details of the case were just gone. And not many people from that case were still around. The caseworker, judge, and prosecuting attorney had all passed away. Attempts to find the lead investigator, who had retired and moved away years ago, were coming up empty. Booth wondered just how long had Pelant been hacking away at Sweets past, cutting here and there over time so as to remain unnoticed. Had it been before or after his thwarted attempt to have that girl assasinate Sweets in the DC streets? Pelant had used Sweets work against him every chance he got. He had used the pyschologists insights about each of them manipulating their weak spots. But In the end they had won. Pelant was dead and gone, his ghost however refused to leave them alone. Disgusted by that thought Booth smacked the boring periodical onto the coffee table, exhaling in a loud aggravated sigh.

"Booth? You seem upset?", Brennen looked up from her computer screen upon hearing her partners heavy sigh as well as the heavy handed treatment of her journal. " I have compared the skeletal injuries of Sweets and Brian F."

"Yeah Bones and? " Booth said impatiently his musings about Pelant souring his mood. But looking at Bones knitted brow and pursed lips he had the answer he hadn't wanted.

"There are too many similarities to be simple happenstance." Bones said werily, visably shaken. Leaving his seat on the sofa for a position behind Bones, Booth gently placed his hands on her shoulders as he leaned over her to look at the images on the screen. Bones placed one hand over Booths. Reassured by her husbands embrace, she pointed out each injury on side by side images. Those that corresponded were highlighted red any others were highlighted yellow. Booth had thought the number of matching fractures and damage was bad enough but seeing the amount of yellow on Sweets side was disturbing. Another broken arm, broken leg and various other injuries he would leave to Bones to delineate. He had to remember all that, no way you forget that much pain.

At that moment Sweets appeared in the doorway, suit disheveled and his face flushed.

" Hey." He offered in subdued greeting, then took a seat in the chair opposite Brennens desk.

Booth observed the young man as he sat down in front of them. His suit seemed to have suffered some since earlier, no tie, water spots on shirt, hair not its usually tamed self, face pink and those red, glassy eyes told the tale.

" So how are ya holding up there Sweets?", Booth kept it casual. But the profiler knew Booths ever observant gaze had been taking note of him since he had came in. And with that single question Sweets knew Booth knew.

"I'm fine Agent Booth, just tired." He answered with a finality he hoped Booth would accept. No such luck.

"Are you sure because..." Booth was interrupted as swept into the room.

" I found your tie." The length of blue silk dangling from the hand of her outstreached arm. Hugging the clipboard in the other arm to her chest. She approached Sweets, dropped the tie into his hands, then patted his shoulder as she manuvered around the desk to Brennen's side. Sweets acknowledged the kind gesture with a sheepish grin, and a quiet "Thanks." Garnering a warm smile and "Your welcome." from Cam.

Booth watched the exchange, understanding that whatever had upset Sweets earlier Camille had no doubt helped see him through it. No sense beating at a dead horse. He didn't finish his query.

and quietly played comparative show and tell with their findings, an interested Booth hovering behind them. Sweets had already surmised by their hushed tones and Bones not so subtle glances at him with big blue concerned eyes what the verdict would be. The injuries correlated. So the killer was familiar with his past abuse. It couldn't be Jason Andrews he was still locked up. Pelant? Possible, but he was dead. However Pelant had accessed all his records, there's no telling who he could have recruited to do the neferious deed. The killer was intelligent, extremely organized. A sociopath with sadistic tendecies. He sat staring at nothing, his hands absentmindedly working the bit of blue silk into a twist, as he built the profile in his mind. Booths booming voice broke the trance, "Sweets! Are you listening? Bones was saying something to you"

He stopped the destruction of his neckwear, to see Brennen had turned the moniter around so he could view the side by side images of his and B. Forresters skeletons with the corresponding injures highlighted in red.

Even he was surprised by the amount of red he was seeing on the image. Not just red, there were other injuries, not present on Forrester, highlighted yellow. From more recent past. Those he could easily recall. The others were harder. Over the years he had made a conscious effort not think about that period of his life in any detail. He accepted that it happened, that it wasn't his fault, so why dwell on ugly details. He remembered some things, the closet door slamming on his hands, being backhanded across the face and the whipping that nearly ended him. The rest was a blur of pain that he would rather keep buried. Maybe not the most pyschologically healthy approach but it had worked thus far. Until now. Booth and Brennen were probably expecting he would rattle off how each injury had happened. They will just have to be disappointed.

"Looking at all the evidence there can be no doubt the death of Brian Forrester was patterned after the traumatic abuse you suffered as a child."Bones paused thoughtfully, "So how should we proceed ,Booth?"

"First I want to see how Angela has come along with the hacked files, see exactly what Pelant did with the information. I know Andrews is out of the picture but I still think he may have painted a picture for some creep in prison. Bones, we'll head up to the prison and see who his friends were. And finally, Sweets, look man I know this has been a lot to deal with but I need to know as much as you remember about ...everything...ok. Not here not now. We'll go back to the office. You can think about things there. Okay?

Sweets said nothing in response to Booth. Just nodded slowly as he departed his seat and moved towards the door. He was ready to leave, back to the solitude of his office. Booth waved approval of his departure, he would meet him at the suv in a few minutes. Sweets left.

"Ok Cam, Bones, what do you think? First does this even remotely look like Pelant could have done it. You said the boy died three months ago, Pelant would have been alive then.Eight months ago. Pelant killed agents, attempted to have Sweets killed, failed, but did manage to screw with the kids mind enough to move him to leave, to "clear his mind".

"While the injuries are similar, they do not show the degree of exactness or skill set that Christopher Pelant had demonstrated in previous murders. Pelant would have wanted perfection. It was not him." Brennen declared.

"Ok then that leaves someone tied to Andrews. I'll head to the Hoover drop off Sweets then come pick you up, alright?" Booth left. It was 12:50, lab staff was filtering back from their lunch. Booth and Sweets managed to slip away without notice.

Cam locked the file concerning Dr. Sweets in the drawer of her desk. She picked up her phone to call Aristoo, she was starving for his company, and lunch would be nice too. The soft rumble of his voice as he answered instantly elicited an unconscience grin from the forensic pathologist as they planned their rendevous in the rose garden.

"So did everything go well with the meeting?" Cam had just ended the call with Aristoo, but was still admiring his image on the smartphone screen, Angela must have noticed, the smile on her face beamed with approval.

"Making some steamy romantic plans for this evening?" Angela wondered hopefully.

"Lunch actually, and nothing too steamy." Camille was amused by Angelas deflated pout. "And yes the meeting went well." She added casually, as she gathered her purse preparing to leave.

" That's good. Hey, funny thing, I thought I saw Booth and Sweets pulling out of the parking lot as Jack and I were pulling in. Anything new come up in the Forrester case?" Angela watched her bosses slight pause before turning to face her in the doorway.

"Oh..um ..they were just dropping off .", Cam realized at that moment Angela and Hodgens probably needed in on the Sweets connection soon. They needed Angela to look into Pelants hacking. As soon as she came back from lunch. She would let Booth, Brennen and Sweets know then bring Hodgens and Angela up to speed. Everyone on the same page. Yeah. After lunch.

"Okay, I will be back around two fifteen.", Camille Sayroyan shuffled past Angela who followed her out of the office. She didn't stop to look back as she disappeared thru the sliding doors exiting the lab.

Okay, now that was not like Cam. I know she has a hunky lunch date waiting, but that was weird. I'll just visit Bren, see what she's up to. Angela strode toward her bestfriends office. She found the anthropologist behind her desk staring at some xray images on the screen, a legal pad full of neat notes under her hand with pen at the ready.

"Hey Sweetie, haven't seen you around much today." The artist observed Brennen close the screen then close the notepad, then turn to her.

"I was with Booth. Was there something you needed Angela?"Her blank tone gave nothing away. Angela had long ago accepted her friend could come across as impersonal, even with those she had a close connection with. This was one of those moments.

"Um no, no Hon. You were with Booth, any new developments in the case? ",Angela waited for Brennens reaction.

"Actually, Booth is on his way here now. He and I are following up on a hunch he has about the killer being an ex-convict. I will keep you informed as soon I have more information." She smiled weakly. At that moment the muffled rifts of "Hot Blooded" emanated from her coat pocket. Checking her phone Dr. Brennen stood up grabbing the leatherbound notepad and her purse.

"That's Booth. I have to go Angela. We can talk when I return." She said backing out of her office, then disappeared. Once again Angela was left standing, feeling left out of the loop.

Awkward silence. The entire way back to the FBI headquarters. Agent Booth wasn't sure how to broach the subject of the physical abuse Sweets had experienced or ask him to casually discuss the details with him. Sweets wasn't offering to talk about it. They had known each other for six years. In that time he had watched Sweets go from an annoying kid shrink to a trusted friend and colleague. Ever since the night Bones had said they could "make room" in their lives for a "baby duck" they had tried to be there when he needed family. He had lived with them briefly. After the Daisy debacle. Despite his grumping Booth had to admit Sweets hadn't been a bad houseguest.Great coffee It was easy for Booth to forget about the darkside of Sweets past. "darkside" Sweets would appreciate the Star Wars reference. He had an easy going friendly nature, always helping others and didn't let the criminal wackos they brought down get to him. Well there was that van ride from hell with "the gravedigger" but he was over that in a day, with a lil push from Caroline. No, that bastard Pelant got to him. Had the profiler doubting his work, his place on the team. Enough doubt and guilt over the useless deaths of their fellow agents to actually move the psycologist to leave the Bureau. During that three month time span Sweets had not kept in touch with him...or the anyone else. Booth was still a bit sore over that. But the kid eventually made it back to where he belonged. Even if Booth did have to drag his reluctant ass back himself. Now this. The Agent hoped this case wouldn't drive him away again. Booth was determined it would not.

They rode this route nearly everyday, but this trip from the Jeffersoinan to the Hoover was agonizingly long. The young doctor wasn't in the mood to talk. He had called his secretary, cancelled the days few remaining obligations. In the solitude of his office he would compose a statement about his brief time with one Jason Andrews. Keep it simple, just the facts as he remembered them. Get Booth off his back. Sweets wasn't really mad at Booth, this intrusion into his personal life, that was Pelants fault. This crazy case, the killers fault. He was annoyed that Booth didn't seem to believe him when he said he couldn't remember everything that had happened to him. Maybe he didn't want to reminisce about it. Booth certainly never went into any detail about his Dad. Just vague implications that he was a mean drunk who knocked him around. Oh and that vague admission about how he wouldn't be here if not for Pops. But not once had he ever offered any meaningful detail. He got it, he really did. It had taken years of therapy as a child before he finally addressed his own fears, pain and guilt. It worked...mostly. Dr. Correz had always insisted there was more to explore, "..repressed emotions and memories that would someday bubble to the surface..". That was one of their last sessions together. Just before he had left to study abroad, on the promise he would continue "maintainence", of course. He had tried, visiting the occasional mental health professional, but seriously? The psych major already knew what they would say, he knew all the terms, studied the conditions and theories. Why bother? He had decided to focus on the future not the past. And it worked. Here he was, a profiler in the FBI, part of a team of professionals that were argueably the best in their respective fields, solving cases and catching killer after killer. He was a part of that. No family yet..sure..maybe his personal life had suffered a bit, but there would be time for that later. His ill timed proposal to Daisy and the inevitable breakup had proven he just wasn't ready yet. Maybe someday. Although he had to admit, sometimes it was all he wanted. A family of his own, a loving wife and cute kid(s) ..he was good with children..Brennen and Angela both agreed he had a knack. A knack Booth claimed was only because he was still a child. Ha ha. So his way of dealing with his past worked for him. How else could have acheived all he had in life and even contemplate a future raising happy well adjusted kids of his own if he had not successfully dealt with his past. He could do this. Just lay down the facts in a summary for Booth then your done, you can go back to business as usual, to work. With a plan of action decided, Sweets was relieved somewhat. Ah, finally here! He barely allowed time for Booth to put the SUV in park before hopping out.

Booth didn't attempt to stop the shrinks quick escape. He felt relief the ride was over as well. Agent Shaw met him at his office. She had files on people of interest he should speak to at the ex-prison home of Andrews. His lastest and longest cellmate, a prison therapist, and some young man that the Warden had noticed keeping close company to the veteran inmate. She had also set up the interviews, the Warden would be expecting Agent Booth and Dr. Brennen. He thanked Shaw for her efforts. Her attention to detail and efficiency made her such a great Agent. Booth truly appreciated having her on his team.

- former prison of Jason Andrews-

Bones and Booth were impatiently awaiting their first interviewee. The spartan room was painted in that pale institutional mint green hue, meant to have a calming effect, but just seemed garish in the harsh fluorescent overhead lighting. Just big enough to accomadate a small table and a few chairs, the cramped room felt oppressive and cold. Booth shifted ,once again, in the hard metal and plastic chair, they had been waiting fifteen minutes and his back was starting to protest. At that moment the door opened and a tall, heavyset man, who looked to be in his fifties, was escorted to a seat at the table. Booth nodded to the guard and he left.

"Levi Carter, serving a thirty year stint for armed robbery...the cashier was nearly beaten to death. You've been here for eighteen years. You were cellmates with Jason Andrews for the last ten years. You must know the guy pretty well, right?" Booth waited for a reaction. Carter shrugged his broad shoulders, leaned forward, rested his heavily tattooed forearms on the table in a crossed fashion, and stared at Agent Booth suspiciously.

"Guess I knew him 'bout as good anybody gets to know someone in this place. Why? After git'n his brains scrambled, I doubt he's been up to much lately." Carter didn't seem terribly upset at his cellmates bad luck, Booth noted.

"We are aware of Mr. Andrews condition, that's why we would like to ask you a few questions. You shared a cell, you must've talked about things..the past, future plans...acquaintances." Booth maintained a relaxed non-threatening posture and tone.

"We have reason to believe Andrews may have been communicating with someone, either here or outside the prison. Sharing experiences of his past crimes. Do you know who he may have been talking to? Did he ever mention his plans for when he got out?"

Carter thought for few minutes, then began laughing a low guttural chuckle that ended as soon as it had started, "Look here agent man, me and him may have lived in that cell for the last decade but that don't make us buddies. He had his space, I have mine. He always acted like he was better'n me. Always had his nose in a book. Spent most his time working in the library or takin' them skills classes they offer to help us become "productive members of society" if and when we get outta here. He didn't talk much. Not to me...but I ain't that big on chattin' either, suited me fine.", he sat back in the chair and folded his arms over his chest.

" I find it hard to believe that two people forced to co-exist in such a confined area, could do so without sharing in a fair amount of social intercourse, Booth." Carters shocked expression turned on Bones as if it was the first time he had noticed she was there.

"Social what? Wha..kinda course? Hey nah, wuttin nothin like that going on between me an him.. Hell nah! You wanna know about that shit you talk to that kid, Billy Boy, Jason was always hanging with the him...ya know."

"Booth, what is he talking about...", Bones confusion turning to bemusment as she understood the inmates excited reaction to her innocuous observation. " You misunderstood, it means conversation." Carters face flushed a bit, embarressed by the mistake and the outburst. He just sat there, quietly, staring down at the tabletop.

" We are going to speak to William Boyd after you finish telling me about Jason Andrews plans.", Booth agreed with his partner. There was no way the cellmates didn't talk. "Did he ever talk about anyone on the outside he was close to?"

"I don't know, there was his lawyer..but,he fired him years ago. His ex came.. once. He would talk 'bout his kid all the time, though. How he needed to fix things with'im. Andrews was always bragging on his boy. All the shit he said though... I think he was jus makin' up a bunch of it." Carter snorted dismissively. Bones and Booth exchanged knowing looks.

"What led you to believe he was lying?", Bones asked out of curiosity.

"Let's see well how many kids you know read...not Hop On Pop..but like World Book Encyclopedia readin' at four or play and win at chess by five? Said he graduated high school at fourteen...now he's some kinda doctor. Had a scrapbook at one time, don't know what happened to it. Probably..snatched by the guards. If his kid was all that, he never bothered to visit with his old man."

" That's because that "kid" ,was the victim of the crimes that put Andrews here! Andrews was not his father, just an abusive foster parent." Bones corrected defensively.

"Really? Well that might be but, as far as Jason was concerned the kid was his." Carter shrugged, "He was sure he'd get parole next time around..said it was a sure thing...said he was gonna have a family reunion...but then he got the shit beat out of 'im so I don't reckon none of that matters now. As for outsiders and him go...there was one guy..he only talked about him once or twice...um...Chris...yeah that was it. He was one of them teachers for the computer classes they had once."

"Chris? As in Christopher? What did he look like?", Booth asked anxiously.

"Man, I don't know..I said he mentioned a name..I ain't takin' no classes."

"Fine, what did he say about Chris the computer instructor?", Booth said exasperated.

"Just that Chris was a gonna help him get parole...so he could... see his boy." Carter confessed.

"And how was Chris going to do that? Did he mention that any? Booth glowered at the inmate. Carter shook his head to the negative.

"That's all I know. Talk to Billy Boy, he'd know more ..they were real close."

After Carter left, the couple had a few moments to discuss what they had learned.

"Booth. Do you really believe Christopher Pelant would have actually walked into a prison just to teach a computer class to a bunch of inmates? Prehaps this Chris is just some other disturbed individual that was influenced by Andrews? Chris, Christopher, Christian are very common names." ,Brennen continued playing devils advocate,"Besides even if it had been Pelant, his plan to help with parole for Andrews fell through when Andrews was injured. So who else does that leave?"

"I don't know Bones. With Pelant anything was possible, but I suppose it could be another Chris. I'll have Agent Shaw look into the instructors. But let's see what this guy has to say." Booth pointed at the door opening to admit inmate William Boyd aka. Billy Boy. Booth and Brennens eyes met in silent agreement, the resemblence was troublingly undeniable. Not quite as tall and lankier build. But still, William Boyd could pass as Sweets younger brother. Twenty years old, this was his first time in real prison.

"William Boyd. Do you go by William or Billy Boy?",Booth asked the young man as he took the seat across from him.

"It's Will...guys just call me Billy Boy...to get under my skin." He drawled quietly never looking up from the shiney surface of the table. "Am I in some kinda trouble?" Finally looking at them.

"No. Your not. I'm Special Agent Booth and this is my partner Brennen. We just thought you might have some information that could help us with a case. How close were you to Jason Andrews? Everyone here says you knew him pretty well." Booth watched the young mans eyes drop back down to the table then to the hands balled into fists on his lap. Not answering, Will raised his right fist to his mouth and began gnawing nervously on his thumbnail. He paused chewing long enough to speak.

"He was a friend. I guess." He resumed his assault on the nail.

"Just a friend? According to the Warden and other inmates, you and Andrews spent most of your free time together. According to them, Andrews looked out for you, kept the other inmates from bothering you. Now why do you suppose that is?", Booth queried.

"I don't know." He shrugged his shoulders, then chewed away some more at his thumb, much to Brennens displeasure. Made aware of the nervous habit by Brennens look of disapproval, Will stopped gnawing and put his hand back in his lap, like an embarassed child. "Sorry."

"Look Will, we just want to know if Andrews mentioned anyone he had communication with outside the prison. Was he telling people about the crimes he commited...in detail?", Booth locked eyes with his partner. Looking unsure this kid would yield anything worthwhile.

"Everybody, doesn't know what they're talking about you know. Jason... he..he was my friend...but not...not like that. Mostly we just hung together, he told me who to avoid, how things worked in here. I've never been in prison, just a short stint in juvi, that's it. You have no idea how hard its been..." the young mans voice trailed off as though lost in thought.

"Yeah and I'm sure the cashier you and your accomplices left for dead beaten and raped at the back of the Seven Eleven would hate to know its been hard for you huh?", Booth shot coldly. Despite the innocent youthful appearance of William Boyd, he was convicted of terribly violent crimes. Will met Booths hard gaze for only a second, the whites surrounding dark brown irises were bloodshot, he looked tired and worn.

"I didn't mean for any of that to happen. I didn't even know they were robbing the place! Then Bud had a gun and she was screaming. I just thought we were gonna take the cash, some smokes...but then...I didn't rape that lady! I swear! ... oh nevermind you don't get it... I didn't have a choice. Jason understood. He said he would help me get outta here. He is..was..a real smart guy. Studied the law, said I had cause for a retrial because I had an... incompetant lawyer. Gave all sorts of legal reasons. He wanted to help me."

"Really? Why? Out of the kindness of his convict heart?", Booth teased.

"You didn't know the guy. He was real good person. No one in here messed with him. He had helped a lot of the guys. Pushed for more programs to help us when we get out. Education and skills...legal services. A lot of guys in here looked up to him. He had a ton of patience... He was teaching me how to play Chess last time we hungout before...well you know. He was like..." his voice weakening until it was a little more than a mumble "like a dad.", he spat out bitterly.

"Okay, so he was a "great guy", did he ever mention keeping in touch with any of those guys." The Agent asked.

" No. No one. The only person he talked about, to me, outside these walls was his son." Will made no attempt to hide his contempt. "He would go on and on about how smart his boy was. Chess champ, double phd's, and works with the FBI...hey maybe you know him. Hehehe."

"Did he ever mention a Chris? Booth asked ignoring the jest.

"Nope. Just Lance." Booth and Brennen exchanged shocked looks at hearing Sweets name tossed out so casually by the criminal in front of them.

Booth noted the jealous tone, maybe he could use this.

"Oh well then that explains it!" Booth said as if he had come to some obvious realization. Bones caught on.

"Exactly, Andrews interest in Mr. Boyd could only have been as a poor substitute for his actual son. I would imagine as soon as he was paroled he would have forgotten all about ..Will was it?", Bones gave Will a dismissive look, as if it was just so obvious. Will straightened up, troubled eyes bouncing between the couple, he started shaking his head.

" No. No. It wasn't like that...he thought it was all wrong me being in here, he understood it was all a mistake, I didn't do what they said I did...I'm no rapist or killer ..he said he saw that right off the bat. Told me all the time how I wasn't like the rest of the..filth in here. I'm special. Jason said "I had potential" to better myself, promised to help me." Boyd argued emphatically.

Booth leaned across the table, giving the guy an amused grin, "Wow, and you really bought that huh? He ever tell you what he planned to do when he got out of here...other than helping you of course...yeah right. Where he would go? Who would he would see?"

" He promised he'd get me a good lawyer, not like that state appointed asshole I had. He wouldn't have lied about that.",Boyd growled thru gritted teeth.

"Andrews has been incarcerated for twenty-two years. What made him so sure he would get parole this time? What changed? He must have had some reason to believe he was getting out. Someone helping him...and you know Will, who and how ,and you need to tell us." Booth pushed for answers.

"Jason Andrews condition is unlikely to improve, Will, any promises he made will go unfulfilled. It would be most beneficial to you to help us." Bones coaxed." How exactly did Andrews know those details about his.. son, unless he had an outside source. He fired his attorney shortly after coming here, he has no family, so who?"

"I don't know...we..we didn't talk about that sorta thing. What do ya mean no family? He had a kid right? He had me hold on to a scrapbook he had about him. He was worried Carter would mess it up cuz he had pissed him off somehow. All kinds of clippings and photos, in that thing.", Boyds cheeks flushed slightly, "When Jason got sent off I looked through it...that's how I know about all that stuff about his son. He didn't talk about him with me, just mentioned that I reminded him of his boy." William Boyd hung his head," He said..I was special...he was my friend...that he had my back...that I could trust him, you know?...But then..", Will began biteing savagely at his thumbnail again, and rubbing the back of his neck, "but then...damn this is hard... then I got jumped...in the laundry room. I..I..didn't see who it was...I didnt report it, Jason said he would handle it, find out who it was kick their ass. That's why he got beat down...asking too many questions making accusations. I figure it was my fault he is messed up now. ..I wasn't tough enough...",Will swiped at his face, trying not to allow the wetness swamping his eyes to roll down his cheeks. Booth was uncomfortable at the sudden emotional turn his interrogation had taken but allowed the kid to continue.

"But then, after they had shipped Jason to the medical facility, I took a look at that stupid book of his...he said I reminded of his son... I guess we favor.. some... but the more I read it...your right, no way I could do half the shit that guys done in a whole lifetime. I knew it then...Jason didn't want to be my friend not really..he just wanted to...um ...ahhhgh...Screw him! Listen,I don't know anything about a Chris, but Andrews did mention something about a place he would go as soon as he was free. Coras old homeplace. Said he kept some of his favorite things there. Find that place maybe there's someone there who can help you. That's all I know.", William Boyd slumped into the chair, looking tired but somewhat relieved to have finally opened up about Andrews.

"Thank you, Will. We will look into that. Hey, you still have that scrapbook? Booth wondered hopefully. Didn't want something like that getting passed around a prison. Will looked suprised by the question, he took a moment to answer.

"Yeah...about that... I have it .Well most of it.", he shrugged sheepishly.

"Most of it?" Booth growled.

"Yeah..well in here a kids picture, to the right kind is like...currency",Wills cheeks glowed pink at his admission.

"And you have to know how sick that is, right? Fine, I'll be taking whats left then. Goodbye .", Booth and Bones stood to leave the room. Before they got through the door, Boyds voice rung out.

"Someone should tell Lance to watch his back!" Booth whirled around so fast he almost knocked Bones ,who was close behind him, into the doorjam.

"What's that supposed to mean! " Booth shouted into the guys face.

"Nothing... I swear...just if Jason shared that book with anyone... its got alot of information about the guy. That's it okay!" Will pleaded, as the Agent grabbed the young mans shoulder.

"That better be all it is. If you know something, anything else you better say it now! If something happens to Sweets I'm coming straight back here.." Booth hissed in Boyds ear ." You don't want that to happen." Booth stepped back towards the doors. Boyd was shaken up by Booths threats, but had a thoughtful look, "So you do know him?", Booth disgusted didn't answer. Storming out of the room. He had slipped up there. Damn. They had the Warden search Boyds cell to retrieve the remanants of Andrews book.

They made their way to the office of the prison's therapist. In contrast to the harshness of the small interrogation room Digbys office had a soothing apricotish glow. The furniture was equally comfortable. A large grey sofa along one wall and an off white upholstered chair at the end. They recognised it as the classic set up of therapists the world over. In one corner was a basket of "toys", Booth thought how Sweets would insist they were therapeutic aids. There was a small utilitarian desk built into the wall upon which sat an open laptop with a young woman tapping away intently. Noticing their arrival, the petitte brunette closed the device. Swiveling the desk chair around she met the couple with a welcoming smile.

"Agent Booth pleased to meet you." She got up, extending her hand,"And..Dr.? " the smile was now tinged with confusion and embarassment.

" Brennen, forensic anthropolgist for the Jeffersonion Institute. I'm also Agent Booths partner and spouse." Bones finished her self introduction. Obviously annoyed, by the oversight.

"Of course you are! Please sit down, I meant no offense. When the Wardens secretary told me Agent Booth and some doctor were coming I assumed she meant Dr. Sweets.", her face flushed again, " Especially if it has something to do with the mental health of an inmate."

Booth noted with amusement the way the woman had blushed mentioning Sweets name.

" So you know our profiler,well?" Booth smiled.

"Oh no..well.. not really, was a guest lecturer a couple of months back at Columbia, I had the pleasure to attend. He was very interesting...his ideas were interesting that is." Once she settled into the white chair she slipped into therapist mode. Relaxed open, but alert, posture, with an amiable but unreadable expression.

" Now how can I help you? I understand you spoke with William Boyd and and Levi Carter in regard to Jason Andrews. May I ask why?"

"We are investigating the death of a young boy. Details of the case lead us to believe there may have be some connection to Andrews past crimes. We were interested with anyone he had contact with."

"I see...and did you learn anything useful?", the therapist asked.

" We have gained some insights into who Andrews was, a few leads to look into..", Booth said,"The way Boyd spoke of him he could be a "real swell guy ".

"Yes...of course Mr. Boyds relationship with Andrews was...unfortunate. I did not have very many opportunities to speak to Mr. Andrews, I only took this position about a year ago. He had been evaluated as part of the parole process by my predecessor and former boss Dr. Jackson. He gave him a favorable evaluation, which I found difficult to agree with. From what I observed, Jason Andrews was a sadistic sociopath. He was very intelligent, could be charming and caring in order to achieve his goals. He was also a master at manipulation and derived pleasure from controlling and harming others. I would not have recommended parole. Of course the evaluation became a moot point after his injuries. Young William Boyd was an easy mark for Andrews. Young, naive and chock full of "daddy issues". Andrews took advantage of that. I have no knowledge of anyone Andrews was in contact with. I'm sorry I don't have any useful information about Andrews...I would give you his last psych eval if I could find the record. We had a system failure that wiped out all kinds of files. Unfortunately lost many of his personal records when he packed up his office. I do hope you catch this person. What am saying? Of course you will...you work with one of the most brilliant minds in the field." Booth noted with amusement his partners lovely features lit up at the praise, totally oblivious that it wasn't in reference to her.

" When was this system failure?" Booth asked.

"About a eight months ago? Why is it important?" asked.

" Maybe. Thank you ...I'll let know how much you enjoyed him..his lecture." Booth smiled as he and Bones left the blushing therapists cozy office. The kid shrink had an admirer. Booth made a mental note that the next visit to that prison Sweets should ride along.

"Booth. Do you believe anything useful was gleaned from those interviews?" Bones head ached. She was tired and aggravated. Pelant ,though dead, had some role in all this, Andrews ,who posessed the answers they required, was medically incapacitated, and there was no physical evidence to lead them to the actual killer. And then there was , her friend and colleague, forced to dredge up a painful past because a child killer was made privy to details of his childhood traumas. She knew how emotionally difficult it was for her to open up about her own negative childhood experiences. She had suffered harsh unfair treatment on more than one occassion. Being locked in the trunk of a car had been the worst of it. She had been old enough at fourteen to report her mistreatment, to make them listen. She also had family in the form of an older brother. Russ was away working but he made sure she was removed from that home, before it had gotten any worse. Sweets had suffered so much abuse. No one had looked out for him. No family. It was fortunate he had survived at all. Thankfully he was adopted by a couple who helped him become who he is today. They must have been quite remarkable people. Booths voice broke into her thoughts.

" We know how obsessed Andrews was with Sweets, we have that scrapbook that he may have shared with the class, there's the place he kept his "favorite things" Coras?, oh and lest we forget Chris the computer guy who I'm sure was Pelant." , Booth punctuated the end of his list by honking his horn as he whipped the suv around a minivan. It was getting late he wanted to get home and attempt to relax. Tommorow promised to be another long day of chasing ghosts. Glancing down at Andrews scrapbook he wondered at how messed up the man must have been. To keep up with someone he had known so briefly and had no relation to for twentysome years...crazy.

"I'll have Shaw look into this "Cora", maybe there is something there.", Booth looked at his passenger when he didn't get a response. Bones was looking through the scrapbook.

"Bones? Are you okay? Its a bunch of creepy stuff isn't it? Bones!"

" Sorry Booth..um no actually..it seems perfectly normal. I mean there are obviously photos missing but the remaining captions are nothing I would consider creepy." Bones stated,"For example here, " A day at the zoo. Lance loved the big water buffalo and the tigers. We had a great day!". " Christmas 1989! Our first Christmas together as a family."..There are newspaper clippings of him receiving an award for chess, " That's my boy!". Booth, most of this reads like a proud parent not some evil monster." She finished perusing the book.

"It is as if Jason Andrews believed Sweets really was his son...but if so why did he beat him? I will never understand it. Booth, I could never harm Christine."

"Believe me, Bones, I don't undertsand it either. My own father...he was a great guy...when he wasn't drinking. But he had issues, so he drank...alot, and when he was drunk it was like he was a whole different person and we were just...just in his way. I would guess Andrews had issues too." ,Booth tightened his grip on the steering wheel staring down the dark road ahead," But that doesn't excuse them from their actions. They were both wrong." The agent went quiet. He could feel his wifes commiserative gaze washing over him.

Bones remained quiet letting the gentle hum of the suv fill the silence. Booth had just opened up about his father. Such a rare moment deserved respect.